The magic of beespace

[Gypsi]

I happened to catch a very complete explanation of how the discovery of beespace transformed beekeeping.  Lee did a great slide show and presentation for metrobeekeepers in Fort Worth Monday night.  (couldn't stay for the 2nd half, caught a swarm instead of doing tax stuff monday) 

I never realized how critical beespace was in the development of removable frames.  Very informative.

[rwlaw]

Did they also mention the headaches of violating beespace?

[Perry]

Probably one of the greatest steps forward in beekeeping.

[Ray]

The discovery of 'Bee Space' was milestone in the advancement of Beekeeping.

From what I've read; in the USA beespace is from 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch, the metric honeybees  are 6 to 10 mm.
Decimal equivalence;
1/4 = 0.25
3/8 = 0.375
6mm= 0.236
10mm =0.394
Smack in the middle; 8mm = 0.315 and 5/16 = 0.313

Are there differences among the different stains? What about small cell bees?
Have there been any studies done that set the ACTUAL size?

[Lburou]

Did they also mention the headaches of violating bee space?

  Like this?     

Thanks for your kind words Gypsi, it was nice to see and chat with you again.   :-)

One of the most frequent things I see in hives of beginners is their placing 7 or 9 frames in the brood nest, (meaning one less frame than the box design), where you want frames tight together, especially while frames are drawn out with honeycomb.  This placement violates bees space and the results can be a real shock.  Once frames are drawn with honeycomb and placed over the brood nest, you can use 7 or 9 frames to good advantage.

[riverbee]

"One of the most frequent things I see in hives of beginners is their placing 7 or 9 frames in the brood nest, (meaning one less frame than the box design), where you want frames tight together, especially while frames are drawn out with honeycomb.  This placement violates bees space and the results can be a real shock.  Once frames are drawn with honeycomb and placed over the brood nest, you can use 7 or 9 frames to good advantage."

i use 9 frames in a 10 frame langstroth box, ONLY after 10  brood frames are all drawn then i go to 9.  all of my deeps consist of this, 9 drawn frames.
my supers consist of 8-9 drawn frames for honey storage, primarily 8. all drawn.  if foundation is in the box, whether it be in the brood boxes or honey supers, i adjust accordingly until it is drawn and move it out.

[LazyBkpr]

I know Mrs Riv swears by having less frames in the brood box.. and it is one of those areas we will have to agree to disagree..  I believe 11 frames in the brood box is much more advantageous. Even with 11 frames the bees are fully capable of circulating air through the hive, they get another 20K cells to store or lay eggs in etc...   but I dont want her to slap me upside the head so will digress...
    But, I do also believe that having 8 or 9 frames in the honey super is the way to go, hands down bar none...   excellent!  decapping the extra fat frame is a breeze..   When your standing at the decapping tub all day, using the decapping fork to get the spots the hot knife couldnt....  fat frames become the item of fantasies...