I wasn't sure what else to call this. But I need some help with figuring out how to raise some honeybees. I've long wanted to keep a couple hives, and finally it looks like I might be able to start doing so next year.

Problem is, I've always been a small gal. And over the last couple years a couple injuries have left me fairly unable to do some of the heavier parts of beekeeping. Right now my left arm is on about a 15 pound weight restriction for the forseeable future. I also can't stretch the arm too much yet either.

I've always looked at plans for langstroth hive setups- now when I go to the store picking up a medium box is almost too much when it's empty. I've often wanted to do an observation hive, with the langstroth bottom and using quart jars on top- but not sure if that works or not? I've looked at top bar hives in the past too because the low level of it has appealed to my shortness and that looks like it might be a good option maybe?

I'd like to be able to keep 3 hives total. The amount of honey or comb yielded does not matter so much really. We have a lot of other bees around, including wild honeybees. I just want to set up a couple hives to give them some homes that I can also harvest.

We do tend to eat around 5 pounds a year if the local honey sources are available and affordable. If I could get 20 pounds honey so I could also do a couple small batches of brewing, that would be lovely. I am also interested in harvesting the comb too, my sister makes personal care products that it would be nice if I could give her a couple pounds of pure homegrown wax if I can. And I like to make my own salves and such too.

So is there such a thing as lightweight or small scale beekeeping?