Natural Beekeeping International Forum

[EricConcE]

Hello all,
I'm working on changing some of my Portuguese nationals (10 frame brood box /w 380mm interior spacing) to 11 frame brood boxes. I'm aiming to make comb spacing 32 mm. I'm searching for great ideas/past experiences that could improve upon my current ideas of creating frame spacers, and possibly nails bordering the edge frames. The following are some points I'm looking to improve upon:
1. 11 frames of 32 mm = 352mm total - leaving 14mm extra space on either side (possibly going to install dummy boards or simply use a nail bordering the edge frames to avoid shifting in transit, and allow the bees the extra 14mm.
2. The 32mm spacers may be constructed out of strips of 32mm long wood stapled to the top edges of the frame.
3. To allow for transfer of nucs into deeps from beekeepers in outyards, I may install nails as spacers in sections of the empty brood box wich will receive the 5 nuc frames (as these frames will not have the 32mm spacers on them) to prevent them from shifting during transit.

I appreciate any insight/advice about this set up!

[biobee]

Why do you want to do this?

One side-effect is likely to be that you will make it very difficult for your bees to make drone comb, which requires wider spacing - I calculate at least 36mm and 38mm is better.

[EricConcE]

I'm happy for your response! I've been considering a lot of your writing (I've purchased and read many of your books) and understand that you've opted for a larger spacing (~38mm if I recall) after discovering 32mm doesn't work particularly well for your area. On the other hand, I've been looking back over a lot of writing by Michael Bush lately in which he speaks a lot about the benefits of 32mm spacing for the local stock he works with. While some beekeepers use/have used 32mm for the center of the nest, I am seeing many cases where they expand frame spacing gradually toward the edges for the exact reasons you mentioned. I am considering making some frames 35mm toward the outer frames of the brood nest. I will say though that my nationals at 38mm do quite well treatment free. My TBH has been doing well at ~34.5mm spacing in the center of the broodnest as well. Thank you for the input Mr. Chandler.