Good article!
From my website;
In talking with other new beekeepers, it has come to my attention, that they started out using DEEP brood boxes and medium supers because that was "standard" and they wanted to learn the "right" way before they tried anything "different".. I applaud the thinking, but the choice of using Deep or medium hive bodies will make little to no difference in the "basics" of beekeeping.
Do NOT use deeps, or Mediums because you think thats how you should start beekeeping. Use deeps, or mediums because they will be the most convenient way for you to CONTINUE beekeeping in future years.
If deeps suit your methods, style, and health/strength better then START with deeps.
If Mediums suit the way you wish to keep bees better, then START beekeeping with mediums.
Nothing about the box size will affect the basics of learning beekeeping in any way.
The bees will not care! I know beekeepers that use shallows exclusively because they cannot lift much, and their bees do fine.
The choice being made is NOT the end. You can change to a smaller, or larger box if you decide to do so in the future. I often inherit deep boxes, and have to convert them to mediums. Each spring when I rotate, I simply remove the bottom deep and add a medium to the top. It really is that simple, so all you need to do is think about it, and make the choice. If you decide it wasnt a good choice later, it can be fixed.
http://www.outyard.net/getting-started.html I have also spoken with beekeepers that have decided to get OUT of beekeeping because they JUST cant lift those deeps anymore... When I ask them why they dont switch to mediums or shallows, Or even 8 frame hives... I get a blank look, and then the light begins to dawn in their eyes...
