Hi bulldog--You might have better luck getting answers in the topbar hive section. I think people in the greetings section tend to say Hi and then forget to check back :)
I'm only in my 2nd year, but I'll take a stab at your ?s. I limit my new packages to about 1/3 of my 4-foot topbar hive, using a follower board. It's your choice on whether you would also like to feed. I have, and I cut a notch in my follower board in which to stick a Mason jar feeder inside the hive, behind the bee area. Some bees get in back, but they don't cause any problems. I think my bars are somewhere around 1 3/8-1 1/2" wide. I would suggest going to Michael Bush's website for a LOT more info on topbar beekeeping (just Google him).
Good luck!