8 frames in a 10 frame super

**valleyman** · 06-05-2011, 01:01 PM

What are the downsides, and what are the advantages? I accidentaly put 8 frame spacers instead of 9 that I've always used. I don't know how I wound up with them. I've never had any experience with them. I may tear them out and put the 9 framers in before I install any of them.

**AmericasBeekeeper** · 06-05-2011, 01:02 PM

The bees will build the frames out to fill the space or burr comb. Either way you will roll or squish bees more than if they were naturally spaced.

**KQ6AR** · 06-05-2011, 01:40 PM

You'll end up with more honey in you're uncapping tub.

**Beeslave** · 06-05-2011, 02:19 PM

If you use nice straight drawn comb you wont have a problem. Don't use it for a brood super. The end result when used as a honey super is more honey per frame. I use 8 frames in my shallow supers and the per frame weight is close to a medium depth frame from a super run with 9 frames.

**Tom G. Laury** · 06-05-2011, 02:24 PM

The Bee Slave knows.

**valleyman** · 06-05-2011, 03:12 PM

Thanks to all for the answers. If I can get them changed before I have to have them, I'm going to change them to 9. If I have to have them first I will use them. I'd rather stay uniform is the main reason. As I thought there are advantages and disadvantages.

**hoodswoods** · 06-05-2011, 05:17 PM

I believe that those of us who have experienced it, realize the importance of straight comb. Even on drawn honey supers, my mentor (50 years keeping bees - but read my by-line) wants to start out with the max # of frames-per-box. After filling and the capping begins, he'll pull a frame and run 1 less (ie 9 in a 10 frame), but like most things, everybody has an opinion.

**MDS** · 06-05-2011, 05:24 PM

Originally Posted by hoodswoods

wants to start out with the max # of frames-per-box. After filling and the capping begins, he'll pull a frame and run 1 less (ie 9 in a 10 frame), but like most things, everybody has an opinion.

I do the same thing. Wait for them to draw out 10 and go to nine in honey super. No idea but have to think going to 8 would be big issue. I'd not do it unless I'd seen it done by someone in our local bee club. That's not a lesson I want to learn on my own.