9 frames versus 10 frames per box?

[enchplant]

Someone suggested that once you have frames that have been drawn out fully, it
is a good idea to switch to 9 frames per box spacing instead of 10 frame per
box.
The idea is to reduce the feeling of congestion and hence cut down on swarming
tendency.
I suppose if you did 9 frame spacing when you just had foundation on the frames
you would end up with all sorts of burr comb and bridge comb.
Has anyone had any experience with this?

[hardwood]

9 frames for honey supers will let the bees draw the comb deeper which makes uncapping a little easier. I wouldn't recommend 9 frames in the brood boxes...they'd make a mess of the extra space.

Scott

[D Coates]

I'd heard that as well but only do it in honey supers.  I'll even go 8 if I think I can get away with it (REALLY heavy flow and a good strong hive).  They will draw it out such that I'm still in awe of how they ever get around.

The idea behind doing it in the hive is it will be easier to manipulate the frames becuase they aren't so tight.  I can see that short term, but wouldn't they eventually fill the added space with comb until the beespace is reached?  The problem that was trying to be avoided would start all over again wouldn't it?

[donm]

I've never heard this in a brood box either.  As with the others, I put 9 frames in my supers once they have been drawn out.

[enchplant]

Thanks folks, This is really helpful!