>Anybody want to outline the pros and cons of the single wide vs double wide configuration?
If you always want to be able to find a queen, single. For practice at finding a queen, for a lot of viewing of brood and caring for brood, you'll need the single. Most of the brood will be in the middle and the queen will almost always be there. For the reasons I have an observation hive, I want a single.
>Obviously, 50% of the hive is hidden in the double wide arrangement, but I assume it is a slightly more "natural" set up for the bees to have at least one space bounded by comb on both sides....greater control of temp and humidity?
Of course it's easier for the bees. But then you lose much more than 50% as most of what goes on will be between.
>Do owners of this hive type find the queen working the interior faces preferentially?
Yes.
>I also suppose it allows one to get more frames into a compact arrangement as well. From what I read more frames are easier to manage (especially for someone pretty new), with the limiting factor of weight when hauling the hive outside?
Weight is my problem. More than four deeps plus the weight of the hive (or five mediums) is too much. Four mediums or three deeps works fine.
>Separately, what about odors? Generally I have found that I really like the smells of the hives, but they do get funky and strong sometimes. In the interest of household peace, I would like to be able to either warn my wife, or build to eliminate the issue.
The only time it has ever been a problem is when the hive died and got taken over by wax moths. Then it smells. Removing it when it dies or repopulating it would be the solution.
>Is this an issue? I controlling venting can be tricky with OH. Do users find simple venting (internal to house) to be noticeable/problematic? Has anyone run separate venting to the exterior effectively?
There is always the tube to the outside... but my vents are otherwise to the inside.
http://www.bushfarms.com/beesobservationhives.htm