Medium Supers for Hive Bodies

[rw3212]

I am considering going to Medium Supers for Hive Bodies as I am having problems with the weight of full deeps. Advancing years and medical problem combine to weaken the ole body.

Is anyone doing this? How many supers should I use to replace a double brood hive? I'm thinking 3 that would still give the 18 inches of foundation.

Thanks, Ron

[pennstatepitt]

I'm sure Mr. Bush will jump in here cause he knows more about it than I do. But I changed over to all mediums after reading his thoughts on it, not because I can't handle full deeps(I'm only 20), but because of the uniformity and it just makes everything easier. I think 3 mediums is equivalent to 2 deeps, and my bees have overwintered fine with 3.

[riverrat]

3 mediums equal 2 deeps. A lot of people are running this set up for various reasons

[BerkeyDavid]

I agree. I am all mediums, 3 is equivalent to 2 deeps. I overwintered nucs in a single medium, add a box of honey in early March from deadouts and they are booming now.

[Ross]

All mediums here thanks to Michael.

[MapMan]

Or, you can go to eight frame deeps, and eight frame mediums.

That is what I've done.

MM

[Michael Bush]

>I am considering going to Medium Supers for Hive Bodies as I am having problems with the weight of full deeps. Advancing years and medical problem combine to weaken the ole body.

I went to all eight frame mediums. But all ten frame mediums will be an improvement.

http://www.bushfarms.com/beeseightframemedium.htm
http://www.bushfarms.com/beeslazy.htm#uniformframesize
http://www.bushfarms.com/beeslazy.htm#lighterboxes

>Is anyone doing this?

Yes.

> How many supers should I use to replace a double brood hive?

Three ten frame mediums is almost exactly equivalent to two ten frame deeps. Four eight frame mediums is almost exactly equivalent to two ten frame deeps.

> I'm thinking 3 that would still give the 18 inches of foundation.

Exactly.

[rw3212]

Looks like a lot of others had the same thoughts.

Thanks to all who responded.

Ron

[hrogers]

Howdy Ron --

I have used only mediums for 50 years. INTERCHANGEABILITY !!
aLL my beginners are encouraged to do likewise. I winter in 1,2 or 3 depending on
how large the colony is.

Doc