Most beekeepers use Langstroth hives for their operations. The hives contain rectangular boxes with removable frames where bees build comb. The Langstroth hive configuration is customised, which allows a beekeeper to stack boxes of their choice or liking. There are three types of boxes, namely shallow, medium, and deep. Langstroth is the best design for honey production due to its large box sizes. They are made to an industry-set standard; hence the hive components from different suppliers can be mixed and matched.

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How deep should a bee box be?

Bee boxes have standardised inside dimensions. Beekeepers use the deep and medium hive bodies for the brood chamber, while the shallow and medium supers are used for honey stores. Deep hive boxes are only used for brood. This is where the queen lays eggs, and the brood is raised. If filled with honey, it becomes too heavy to lift manually. The shallow supers are not used for the brood. A deep super, also known as the hive body, is 9 5/8 inches deep. A medium super is 6 5/8 inches deep, while a shallow super is 5 11/16 inches deep. Medium supers can be used for brood or honey. 

How heavy are the bee boxes?

Beekeepers prefer one bee box over the other depending on their weight once they get filled. Honey is heavier than a brood. The super-skilled creatures arrange their hive with food resources and brood below. The bottom box in every hive will typically contain the brood. The top super contains nectar or honey. A second brood box usually contains a mixture of honey, brood, and pollen; hence it is heavier than the bottommost one. A 10-frame box full of honey weighs 60-70 pounds, a medium-frame box full of honey is about 40-50 pounds, and a shallow box full of honey is 30-35 pounds. 

What is the best size of a bee box?

Surprisingly, the bees are not concerned about what you give them. They will just use what is presented to them. They will store honey on the top and brood and food resources below. This is also the case for horizontal hives. Hence, a beekeeper should use what is convenient for them. 

Why do beekeepers add hive boxes, and when is the right time to add them?

As the brood nest develops, bees turn their attention to building honey reserves. The brood boxes will contain a pattern of brood, honey, and pollen, while the upper boxes will contain honey. By adding boxes to your hive, it ensures the bees have ample space they require to raise brood and store honey. It also prevents swarming. When you leave the bees with too little space, they will plan to swarm. Half the population leaves with the queen to look for a new home. A beekeeper should be watchful of how many frames the bees have used in each box. Consider adding another box when they have filled 7-8 frames. 

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Why should we not add all the boxes from the start?

Too much space can be a challenge to the bees. They require a warm environment, depending on the location, even in summer. With a large room, they will work extra hard to regulate the temperature of the hive. The guard bees will also have a large unnecessary territory to guard. Some insects and pests like wax moths and small hive beetles may also find a home in the hive if you leave a large space for them. With the right space and size, the bees are able to keep their living quarters warm. It is good to add the boxes only when the bees need them. 

What are the advantages of using a double brood box?

With two brood boxes, the queen has plenty of room to lay eggs. During the peak seasons, the colony is able to grow to its full potential. If the queen doesn’t have enough space in the spring and summer, the population of the hive may not grow at the required rate. This may decrease the honey yield.