First, tie the 4 poles against the top edges of the sides of the basket so that they cross and hold the shape of the basket Now lash the poles together where they cross.

Cut a hole in the front of the hive to act as the hive's entrance. The entrance should be about 1/2-1 inch thick and a few inches wide.

    Now line the sides of the hive with the fresh manure. Make sure to keep the front entranceway open. Allow it to dry in the sun for a week.

    Smoke the hive for a day over a fire of cow manure and straw.

    Cut the top bars to size and place them on top. It is a good idea to put a strip of wax down the center of the bar to guide the way the bees build the comb. Bait the hives and put them out.

    A large calabash gourd can also be utilized as a hive. It is important that when making this type of hive, the opening at the top is larger than he comb. Cut the gourd on top, and cut an entrance hole on the front. Place top bars on the hive and add a protective cover. Also, instead of cutting 4 poles for supports of this hive, one three pronged branch can be used to support it.

    Grass and palm leaves can be woven into flat sections that are then plastered with dung. These flat sections can then be used for the walls of a top bar hive.