Should I feed? First timer

[VolunteerK9]

As far as the ants are concerned, if they are hanging out on top of your inner cover, find you some ground cinnamon and sprinkle liberally around on top of your inner cover. I also sprinkle it beneath the hives as well-reapply after it rains. Once your hive population grows, they will keep the ants at bay by themselves.

I too, hate 9 frames in the brood chamber.

[vmmartin]

Here is another echo to the "Don't try to run 9 frames in a 10 frame box". If you are torn between what you read and your mentor, then you could exp. like Kathy says and go with one of each.  You will find that the bees will always dictate to you how much space they need.  As far as feeding, I am from the camp of "Don't feed unless you have to".  Similar to raising cattle.  If there is enough natural grazing resources, why waste money buying feed? Too much feeding could make the bees over dependent on you.  Remember, the bees have been doing this a lot longer than any of us have. :lol: