Best number of frames in brood box

[ericbeaumont]

I've got 5mm excess space using 11 frames

The excess space is dependent on the chosen make of frames and can vary; one year I used Abelo frames and discovered the Hoffman bevels to be chamfered; result was that the frames occupied less space and left 10-15mm at the box wall.

I use Maisemore seconds and the 5mm disappears with propolis after a few weeks; it can be retrieved easily by levering away the body of all 11 frames against the box wall; the 5mm regained is used to hoick out the second frame. Takes about 3 seconds.

The great thing about this small flexible end space in the Abelo is that it has freed me from the nuisance and expense of dummy boards.

 

[ericbeaumont]

11 comfortably into the old style Abelo so run those with ten

Can't see any difference of the inner dimensions between the old and new Abelo design. I get 11 in both without trouble, but frame manufacturer determines fitment.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Perhaps I’m just not good at tightening up the frames. Never mind. At least I’ll have big drones

 

[Finman]

Oh dear, how much answers!

 

[user 20297]

Oh dear, how much answers!

Maybe 22 answers was enough?

 

[Finman]

Maybe 22 answers was enough?

It was...

 

[Big ears]

Think 11 and a dummy is the way to go.
Thank you all

 

[Busylizzie]

I prefer 11 plus dummy in my BN and 14 x 12 just for ease of removing first frame without bees on the frame.

 

[Arfermo]

11 and a dummy every time, you'll be glad of that extra bit of spare space by the middle of the season

Somewhere not so long ago I think I remember you said you used 11 slot castellation in BBs and only 10 or 9 in supers? So why dummy? Very little use for them unless in splits or whatever.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Somewhere not so long ago I think I remember you said you used 11 slot castellation in BBs and only 10 or 9 in supers? So why dummy? Very little use for them unless in splits or whatever.

I’ve had bees from Emyr. No castellations in his broods.

 

[Arfermo]

I’ve had bees from Emyr. No castellations in his broods.

But you wouldn't see them in "bees sent to you".

 

[Erichalfbee]

I got them in a brood box.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Somewhere not so long ago I think I remember you said you used 11 slot castellation in BBs and only 10 or 9 in supers

You remembered wrong then - Dani's right, never used castellations in my brood boxes and only ten slot castellations in the shallows (where I don't need dummy boards)

 

[Finman]

.
Best number is what is planned gor such certain box. In honey box you may use -1.