2 Quick Clarification Questions

[Chrisd4421]

hi all
   Two questions - First, I am with my first hive - all mediums - no foundation - I have 3 mediums on already, the third being 3/4 full of comb.  Do I add my 4th medium now?  Or wait until it is 3/4 full of brood and honey?  Second - how high in terms of mediums should a hive go?  Logically I would say 6 - but I don't know.

Thanks
/Chris in NJ

[BeeHopper]

hi all
   Two questions - First, I am with my first hive - all mediums - no foundation - I have 3 mediums on already, the third being 3/4 full of comb.  Do I add my 4th medium now?  Or wait until it is 3/4 full of brood and honey?  Second - how high in terms of mediums should a hive go?  Logically I would say 6 - but I don't know.

Thanks
/Chris in NJ

Chris,

You'll get different opinions on this one. I would add a box if it were 7 frames FULL of whatever. If they are just building comb and not filling it, I would add another medium just to see what they would do, normally I would not give them too much room. As far as how many mediums high, I would go as far as they need it , keep in mind that 3 mediums are the equivalent of 2 deeps here in South Jersey for overwintering.

[Michael Bush]

Basically three mediums equals to deeps.  I've had hives stacked up as high as I could reach starting at the ground.  I've had them on 8" stands that were so high I had to put the top box on with a ladder...

[MacfromNS]

Now that would be a pain in the butt to have to get the ladder out. :)