Fixed 11's castellation in a UK National brood box

Barbarian · May 8, 2014

I have kept bees for several years using Hoffman frames in the National brood box. In 2011 or 2012, there was an article in the Yorkshire BKA Newsletter from a member who used castellations in his brood box.

Last year I put an 11 space castellation in one of my brood boxes to give it a try. The frames used were Hoffmans with an odd one or two straight sided. I am quite pleased with the result and thinking of doing further changeovers. The Hoffman shoulders don't touch each other and don't get stuck to each other.

I would appreciate any feedback about my plan.

Further info :---
I have my hives warm way. I work with a J hive tool in each hand. I have not had a problem with the sharp edges of the castellation. I use OMFs 12/12 usually with the slide out.

ijcooper · May 8, 2014

Barbarian said:
I work with a J hive tool in each hand.

Which foot do you work the smoker with?

Arfermo · May 8, 2014

Hivemaker and I and many others use castellations in the BB so no prob. In my case frames are mixed Hoffman and others and it doesn't bother me or the bees. As for the doom mongers about rolling the bees and/or the queen - load of bollocks if done with due care as in any inspection.

drstitson · May 8, 2014

same here - have a mix of castellated and not.
just lift out end frame then up and back for all the rest.

YorkshireBees · May 8, 2014

Hmm maybe something to try with my spare 11 castellations as I don't really plan on using them in supers anymore!

During inspection, I get the part about lifting slightly then away from the adjacent frame but after inspecting the frames I assume you put them into the castellation to the side of the one you took it out from?
(If that makes sense)

In that way you cannot slide them all back over so I assume you end up slowly rotating the frames?

Summerslease · May 8, 2014

Hi YorkshireBees. Rotation of frames is possible but not necessary. I mark one end frame with a drawing pin over the lug ( so as not to confuse with a QC marker). That frame is removed first and put to one side. The frames are then inspected and moved down one castellation. The pinned frame is then inserted at the other end to where it was removed. At the next inspection I take out the pinned frame, put it to one side and then the frames are moved back to their positions at the previous inspection. Simples.

There have been some comments here about QCs being destroyed when removing castellated frames. My experience is that the QCs are indented on the comb by the bees and don't get damaged.