Aah you lucky :evil: your starved for choice , here in Sweden we have
langstroth hives ( double deep,deep,and shallow)
Low normal
Swea,1/2swea
Oh what fun we have debating which frame size is best , then we can decide to argue about what size of boxes to use and finally if we should use wood or frigolte/Styrofoam hives
Keeps us warm in the long dark winter months :hissyfit: :soapbox: :devilbanana: :whip: :deadhorse: :idunno: :hissyfit:
Some universal truths , low , lightweight are easier to work with.
If you think ahead , bend your knees and not your back when you lift think what your doing , plan for a long and healthy beekeeping career,hobby
<<<My questions: Do they improve the early build up of packages or splits in early spring. Reasoning that the 2 0r 3 " thick walls must make the boxes easier to heat for the bees and thus promotes faster increase.
? dont know , have not used all wooden hive without insulation.
If I have smal hives or I want them to draw new wax comb I will restrikt the ventalation so it is easyer for the bees to keep the hive warm.
<<< Another question: I switched to all shallow boxes a couple of years ago. Easier lifting,etc.
Yes... definatly smaler lighter boxes are easyer to lift and cary , easyer on the spine
<<<Do you think that the queens lay better on deep frames,than on two shallow frames ?
This is a question for the beekeeper and the way he whants to keep his bees!
Bees can build a hive anywhere , chimnys , walls , trees ,
<<<Does the bee space between bottom and top box restrict laying?
havent noticed any problems.
<<<If 60000-70000 workers are needed for good honey yields,how many boxes are needed?
2 deeps? 3 shallows?
Sounds about right , you might whant to add a forth shallow in the spring time.
:( :-D
Now the right way to keep bees,, .. ... ............ ... .. .
:roll:This is how I keep my bees. :roll:
Frigolite/styrofoam - light and easy to lift , easy for the bees to control the in hive conditions , Warm winter , cool in summer.
Keeps heat/cold in and out.
1 Doubel deep as brood nest , also as winter residence , strong hives may need an extra shallow in spring time. Less frames to work with , easyer to find queen , bigger brood patern with out interuption.
For Honey harvest I use frigolite/styrofoam shallows.
I have colueags that have boxes that are over 30 years old , they are UV sensative so they nead a coat of paint.
mvh edward :P