As a beginner beekeeper, there is so much to learn prior to keeping bees. Starting to keep bees requires a lot of upfront decision-making. One of the first decisions is choosing the right bee box, which is the physical structure that houses a bee colony.
Some decisions are easier to change later than others. Choosing to use all medium boxes or a combination of deep, medium, or shallow boxes is a decision that is harder to change later. To learn more about beekeeping read Master Guide: Beekeeping for Beginners.
Choosing medium or deep boxes early on is crucial, as switching later is challenging and impacts hive management and efficiency.
Medium boxes simplify equipment use but require more frames, while deep boxes offer better brood space but are heavier and less flexible.
Combining medium and deep boxes balances brood space and honey storage, but mismatched equipment complicates hive management in the long run.
Table of Contents
Understanding Beehive Boxes Choosing the Right Box for Your Hive Using All Medium Honey Supers For Bee Hives Advantages Of Using All Medium Boxes Disadvantages Of Using All Medium Boxes Hive Body and Brood Production Honey Super and Honey Production Box Size and Type Considerations Using A Combination Of Deep And Medium Boxes Advantages Of Using Deep Hive Body And Medium Boxes Disadvantages Of A Combination Of Deep And Medium Boxes Wood Grade and Durability Plastic vs. Wood Beehives Beehive Maintenance Seasonal Considerations Conclusion
If you use a combination of box sizes, it is difficult to undo that decision and change to using only medium boxes.
We used all medium boxes on our own hives from the beginning when we started our first hive in 2012. In the past, most beekeepers didn’t use medium boxes because they weren’t available or were taught otherwise by a beekeeping friend. Because of this, the majority of beekeepers use a combination of deep and medium boxes.
Traditionally, only deep boxes and shallow boxes were available, which is why many experienced beekeepers use a deep hive body. Some crazy beekeepers use deep boxes for the ENTIRE hive! If you know one of these beekeepers, send them a pack of these for their back.
A hive with a deep and medium box getting ready to be moved.
5 hives with a combination of deep and medium boxes.
10 frame hive with a deep and medium box.
Understanding Beehive Boxes
A beehive box, also known as a hive body or brood box , is the cornerstone of any successful bee colony. A hive box refers to various sizes of boxes used in beekeeping, such as Deep Supers and Honey Supers, which house frames and support bee activities.
It provides a safe and structured environment where bees can live , store honey, and raise their young. There are several types of beehive boxes to choose from, including Langstroth, Top Bar, Warre, and Horizontal Hives.
Each type has its unique features and benefits, making it crucial for beekeepers to understand their options. For instance, Langstroth hives are popular for their modular design, while Top Bar hives are favored for their simplicity.
Choosing the right hive body is essential for providing the best care for your bees and ensuring a thriving colony.
Choosing the Right Box for Your Hive
Choosing the right box for your hive is crucial for the health and productivity of your bee colony. With various types of boxes available, it’s essential to consider factors such as the size of your colony, the type of bees you’re keeping, and the climate you’re in.
A deep hive body, for example, is ideal for brood chambers, providing ample space for the queen to lay eggs and for the brood to develop. On the other hand, medium supers and shallow supers are better suited for honey production, as they are easier to handle when full of honey. By carefully considering the needs of your bees and your goals for the hive, you can select the right box to ensure a thriving and productive colony.
Using All Medium Honey Supers For Bee Hives
If you use all Medium Boxes, this comes with advantages and disadvantages. Our all-medium kit is available in 10-frame or in 8-frame. I mentioned earlier that we kept bees in only 10 frame medium boxes when we started beekeeping.
We even started with a 5-frame, medium nucleus hive (which is hard to find). As we expanded our beekeeping operation, we opted to use deep and medium boxes. So our setup right now is 2 deep boxes for the brood nest, and the additional boxes are medium boxes for our honey supers.
We started using cypress medium boxes from our first hive because we liked the idea of simplicity. We switched to using the 2 deep boxes on the bottom for the same reason, but that just gives us a little more flexibility.
More on that is below.
Advantages Of Using All Medium Boxes
- All foundation, frame and box works together.
- Each full box will weight about 60 lbs at the most.
- Winter bee clusters have more gaps between boxes for mobility.
- Do not have to wire in beeswax foundation.
- If selling bees, there is a high demand for medium nucleus hives
Disadvantages Of Using All Medium Boxes
- More pieces of equipment to buy when starting.
More frames to handle during brood inspections.
More frames and boxes to assemble and paint.
Difficult to find nucleus hives with medium supers and medium frames.
Increased spaces for wax moths and small hive beetles to hide.
Hive Body and Brood Production
The hive body, often referred to as the brood box , is the heart of the beehive. This is where the queen bee lays her eggs and where worker bees nurture the brood. Typically composed of deep supers, the hive body offers ample space for the queen to lay eggs and for the brood to develop.
It’s also the primary storage area for pollen and honey , which are vital for the colony’s survival. Maintaining a healthy hive body is crucial for brood production. Beekeepers must regularly inspect the brood box to ensure it’s free from pests and diseases, providing a safe environment for the queen to lay eggs and for the worker bees to thrive.
Honey Super and Honey Production
The honey super is the upper section of the beehive where bees store their excess honey. Usually made up of medium or shallow supers, this part of the hive is designed to hold honey frames that beekeepers can later harvest.
To harvest honey, beekeepers extract it from the honey super frames, utilizing these frames as storage areas for the excess honey. The honey super plays a pivotal role in honey production, and its maintenance is key to ensuring a bountiful harvest.
Beekeepers must keep the honey super clean and free from pests to produce high-quality honey. During the honey flow season, a well-maintained honey super can significantly boost honey production, making it a critical component of any beekeeping operation.
Box Size and Type Considerations
When it comes to box size and type, there are several options to consider. Deep hive bodies, typically used for brood chambers, come in various sizes, including 10-frame and 8-frame options.
These deep boxes provide the necessary space for the queen to lay eggs and for the brood to grow. Medium supers, often used for honey production, are also available in 10-frame and 8-frame sizes.
They are a popular choice because they are easier to lift and manage compared to deep boxes. Shallow supers are another option, ideal for honey production, and are typically used in conjunction with medium supers.
When selecting the right box size and type, consider the space needs of your bees and the type of honey production you’re aiming for to create an efficient and productive hive setup.
Using A Combination Of Deep And Medium Boxes
By far, the most common hives used by beekeepers are a combination of deep and medium boxes. Deep boxes are typically called brood boxes, and medium boxes are called honey supers.
We like to call them deep or medium boxes because the bees can use any size box for any reason. When using both deep and medium boxes, we are talking about the bottom of the hive where the queen raises her young bees, the brood chamber.
Take a look at our beekeeping kits here to see what it looks like. The options for Langstroth Hives, which is what most beekeepers use, are 2 deep boxes , 3 medium boxes (mentioned earlier), or a deep and medium box , which is what we are talking about now.
The deep and medium combination is the most popular option because it affords the queen enough room to lay eggs but is not as difficult to move as the 2 deep box option.
Advantages Of Using Deep Hive Body And Medium Boxes
- Easier to find compatible nucleus hives when starting a hive.
Many experienced beekeepers are familiar with the equipment.
Less equipment to buy, cheaper in beginning.
Queen can lay eggs more efficiently on deep frames.
Less equipment to examine during hive inspections.
Disadvantages Of A Combination Of Deep And Medium Boxes
- Deep boxes can be 75+lbs when full.
Frames and foundation are not compatible with each other.
Nonstandardized equipment becomes difficult in the long term.
Shallow boxes and medium boxes are very similar looking, causing. confusion if using both
More difficult to keep bees without foundation in deep boxes.
Wood Grade and Durability
When selecting a beehive box, the wood grade and durability are important factors to consider. Beehive boxes are typically crafted from wood, which can be susceptible to moisture damage and rot.
However, choosing a durable wood type can extend the lifespan of your hive. Common options include pine, cedar, and cypress, each offering unique benefits. Pine is affordable and widely available, cedar is naturally resistant to pests, and cypress is known for its durability.
Proper treatment and maintenance of the wood are also essential to protect it from the elements and ensure the longevity of your hive. Additionally, a bee box, which houses the bee colony, is often constructed from these materials and requires regular maintenance practices such as painting to prevent weather damage.
Plastic vs. Wood Beehives
When it comes to choosing between plastic and wood beehives, there are pros and cons to consider. Plastic beehives are known for their durability, ease of cleaning, and resistance to pests and diseases.
They can be a great option for beekeepers looking for low-maintenance equipment. However, plastic hives are non-renewable, non-recyclable, and can be more expensive than their wooden counterparts.
On the other hand, wood beehives are renewable, repairable, and recyclable. They are also lighter and often less expensive. However, wood is prone to moisture damage and requires regular maintenance to ensure longevity.
When deciding between plastic and wood, consider the environmental impact, maintenance needs, and budget to choose the best option for your beekeeping operation.
Beehive Maintenance
Regular beehive maintenance is vital for the health and productivity of your bee colony. Beekeepers should routinely inspect their hives to check for signs of pests, diseases, and structural damage.
Ensuring good ventilation and preventing moisture buildup are crucial steps in maintaining a healthy hive environment.
Regular tasks include cleaning the hive, replacing damaged frames, and applying treatments to ward off pests and diseases.
By staying on top of these maintenance activities, beekeepers can create a thriving environment for their bees, leading to a more productive and resilient colony.
Seasonal Considerations
As the seasons change, the needs of your bee colony will shift, and your hive management practices should adapt accordingly. In the spring, bees will need more space for brood production as the queen ramps up egg-laying. This is the time to ensure your brood boxes are in good condition and provide ample space.
During the summer, the focus shifts to honey production, and you may need to add more medium supers to accommodate the honey flow . In the fall, bees will be busy storing honey and pollen to prepare for winter , so it’s crucial to ensure they have enough resources.
Finally, in the winter, bees need a warm and cozy hive to survive the cold months. Proper insulation and ventilation are key to maintaining a healthy hive during this time. By considering the seasonal needs of your bees, you can manage your hive effectively and ensure a productive and resilient colony year-round.
Conclusion
Choosing the right box for your hive is a critical decision that can impact the health and productivity of your bee colony. By considering factors such as box size and type, material, and seasonal needs, you can create a thriving and sustainable hive.
Whether you’re a beginner beekeeper or an experienced apiarist, selecting the right box for your hive is essential for a successful and rewarding beekeeping experience. By understanding the unique needs of your bee colony and the goals you have for your hive, you can make informed decisions that will benefit both you and your bees.
Adam Hickman
Adam Hickman owns Foxhound Bee Company and is a certified EAS Master Beekeeper. Before ever selling a box through Foxhound Bee Company, Adam wrote beekeeping blogs for education. Adam regularly teaches beekeeping classes through Foxhound Bee Co and also through his local beekeeping club.
