Why the Layens Hive Is the Best Choice for Natural Beekeepers

(And Why 7 Frames Might Be Just Right)

Transferring a new swarm from a Layens swarm trap to a 14-frame Layens hive.

As more backyard beekeepers turn to treatment-free and natural methods, one question keeps popping up: what’s the best hive for the job?

For those looking for simplicity, sustainability, and harmony with their bees, the Layens hive is quickly becoming an excellent choice. And if you’re wondering whether a smaller 7-frame hive is enough — the answer might surprise you. (TL;DR: Yes, but not always.)

An apiary of Layens hives ideally located in part shade.

What Is a Layens Hive?

The Layens hive originated in Europe, most notably used in Spain and France. It features a horizontal design with deep frames, mimicking the natural tree cavities bees love.

Unlike vertical hives like the Langstroth, which require stacking and lifting multiple boxes, the Layens hive is a single, chest-style unit. Everything is accessible from the top, making inspections easier and less disruptive. Not to mention: less heavy lifting.

Layens and other hives along an idyllic meadow edge. c. 1914

Layens vs Langstroth and Warre Hives

Langstroth hives dominate American beekeeping, but they require frequent intervention and more equipment. Warre hives aim for a more natural approach but still involve vertical lifting and nadiring (adding supers underneath occupied hive bodies.

The Layens hive blends ease-of-use with bee-friendly design — making it ideal for:

• Hobbyists and homesteaders

• Natural/treatment-free beekeepers

• Older or mobility-limited beekeepers

Lifting is generally relegated to individual frames, which weigh about eight pounds when full of honey. A Langstroth deep super can weigh 80-90 lbs when full of honey.

The internal contents of a 7-frame Layens hive.

Why 7 Frames Might Be Just Right

A 7-frame hive may seem small — but it’s all about purpose.

Here’s where this compact Layens hive shines:

• Perfect for Swarm Catches – Lightweight and portable

• Great for Nucleus Colonies – Ideal for splits or small-scale keeping

• Starter Hive For New Colonies – Fewer frames to inspect = less stress for you and your bees

If you're focused on quality over quantity, this size may be exactly what you need. In many locations, 7 Layens frames is enough for a new colony to develop for quite some time, especially if you catch a late swarm, with only a few months to prepare for winter.

However, once a colony has grown sufficiently, they are ready for a larger hive, such as a 14-frame Layens hive. Where nectar forage is abundant, some bee colonies can even require 20-frame Layens hives.

One of our pre-wired Layens frames.

Why Pre-Wired Frames Matter

Natural beekeeping doesn’t have to mean messy comb. Pre-wired frames with wax foundation sheets give bees the structure they need to build straight, stable comb. They can also be used with only a small starter strip of wax foundation, so bees build "foundation free"—an important tenant of treatment-free beekeeping.

Our hives come fully assembled and pre-wired, so you can skip the tools and start beekeeping immediately. Just add wax.

A 14-frame Layens hive sitting on a stable base of cinder blocks.

Getting Started with a Layens Hive

• Choose an Ideal Location – Set your hive in a quiet spot with morning sun and afternoon shade. Avoid low-lying areas prone to flooding. Nearby forage (wildflowers, trees, gardens) and a clean water source will help your colony thrive.

  
  

• Install Your Bees – You can start with a swarm, nucleus colony (nuc), or package bees. Swarms are ideal because they are locally adapted and often make strong, treatment-free colonies.

  
  

• Let the Bees Lead – The Layens hive is designed for minimal interference. Resist the urge to inspect frequently; instead, observe entrance activity, pollen intake, and bee behavior from the outside. Less disruption leads to more resilient, naturally aligned colonies.

Newly built comb on a Layens frame.

Built for Natural Beekeeping

The 7-frame Layens hive is compact, accessible, and designed for treatment-free beekeeping — a great fit for both beginners and small-scale keepers looking to align with the bees’ natural rhythms.

Here’s what makes it a solid choice:

• Minimal Disturbance to the Brood Nest – The horizontal design means fewer inspections and no box-lifting. You can monitor and manage bees without tearing apart the colony's core structure, resulting in calmer, healthier bees.

  
  

• Deep Layens Frames Encourage Natural Behavior – The extra-deep frames give bees space to build brood and food stores vertically — much like they would in the wild — which supports better clustering and overwintering.

  
  

• Lightweight, Low-Stress Management – With fewer frames, a single-story format, and no need to stack or unstack boxes, the 7-frame hive is easy on your back and your bees.

With the Layens hive, you're not managing bees — you're partnering with them.

Ready to Begin?

👉 Shop the 7-Frame Layens Hive Now – Crafted by hand. Fully assembled. Pre-wired. Built for natural beekeepers like you.