what size supers??

[msmithnewbee]

This is the first year with bees.we live in Michigan in a few months we'll be ready for the supers. my question is, can you use a brooder box for a super?

[tileguy]

First off welcome... you will get alot of great info here. I think the most popular size are mediums, they are much lighter when honey filled. I plan on having many hives so all I am using are deeps, so I assume by "brooder Box" that would be a deep. I think when they are full of honey they weigh about 90 pounds. LOL, I sure hope I dont have to lift too many..... Anyway, enjoy the forum and keep us posted on your season......
T.G.

[msmithnewbee]

yes they are deeps, we only have two hives they look to be doing good. we do have mediums to put on. I went to a estate auction and got 135 deeps. some with frames some with out.for $12.50 what a deal! that's why i was wondering if i can use the large ones. also any one know what would be a good cleaner for the boxes and the frames i know i have to torch them to kill any fowel brood. but what about a light bleach water?

[Grant]

I've used deeps for honey supers, sometimes by accident as the bees have filled up what I had hoped what was supposed to be a top brood chamber.

They are heavy, and difficult if in the top position. But I've found I can move each frame from the hive to another deep in a wheelbarrow, then take the wheelbarrow to my truck.

Grant
Jackson, MO

[Ross]

You can always cut them down on the table saw to turn them into mediums if that is what you prefer. a 60# medium is still plenty heavy to handle.

[msmithnewbee]

i guess i could! isnt bigger better! LOL . but what about bleaching them?

[MapMan]

i guess i could! isnt bigger better! LOL . but what about bleaching them?

Not when you have to lift them! A deep super full of honey can weigh close to 90 pounds. A medium close to 60 pounds and a shallow 30-40 pounds. I use 8 frame mediums.

Don't know about bleach, especially on drawn comb. $12.50 for 135 boxes is a great deal! - less than 10 cents a box? Wow.

MM

[msmithnewbee]

there is no comb its just the empty frames and boxes.

[carbide]

I prefer the shallow boxes for honey supers. The 30-40 lbs is plenty heavy enough for me. :)

[charmd2]

Not sure about bleaching, but how about a propane torch and scortching them. :) That's what it seems most of this board does to sanitize them and kill any afb spores.

[msmithnewbee]

thats what i was told to do to scorch them. thanks for the info!!

[MollySue'sHoney]

For cleaning you can boil them in a sodium hydroxide water solution. It works well, goes fast; but you must be very careful. In essence you are turning the wax and propolis into soap.

Did you pay 12.50 for the entire lot?

[msmithnewbee]

yes 12.50 for the entire lot 130 or so, large bottom boxes.

[Michael Bush]

Many people use deeps for supers. The only downside is the weight when they are full. 90 pounds or more.