Floors and Brood Boxes. Looking forward to spring

[Erichalfbee]

Our SBI recommended changing floors and brood boxes at first inspection. How many here do this and is it a good idea?

 

[YorkshireBees]

I tend to change the floor as it's a lot easier to clean when away from the hive and under no pressure to get it done.

As regards the brood box, it all depends on the state of the brood box.

It may not always be the 1st inspection but when I have time one of the 1st.

 

[drstitson]

Fairly standard advice (although perhaps more relevent in era of solid floors).

just need the one spare floor though. better having 2 pairs of hands. either lift and swap in one move or move hive to one side, add new floor, move hive back onto new floor w/o old floor.

then clean floor and repeat for next hive and so on.

brood box change could of course be part of a shook swarm or bailey change.

 

[thurrock bees]

you should change Brood box and floor every spring, first inspection as part of the spring clean along with as many brood frames for foundation swap too

 

[Erichalfbee]

brood box change could of course be part of a shook swarm or bailey change.

No, I meant taking the frames out and putting them in a new box on a new floor.

 

[Arfermo]

Fairly standard advice (although perhaps more relevent in era of solid floors).

just need the one spare floor though. better having 2 pairs of hands. either lift and swap in one move or move hive to one side, add new floor, move hive back onto new floor w/o old floor.

then clean floor and repeat for next hive and so on.

brood box change could of course be part of a shook swarm or bailey change.

The standard these days is to renew the comb in the BBs at about two yearly intervals due to the mucky feet of the bees and as as a further control measure against nosema etc. Best done by shook swarm as Bailey is quite a bit fussier. SW is also about the best way of controlling any varroa that are walking about as it usualyy done after the spring buildup and one can then give the bees another intermediate dose of oxalic whilst the bees are broodless and in a disturbed state anyway.

 

[thedeaddiplomat]

I change the floors, BBs, crown boards and (if necessary) the roofs A great deal of scrubbing and flaming for the current Lady DD, but it ensures as far as possible a good start for the bees.

I also try to change four or so frames (substituting at least two of them for undrawn foundation).

 

[Tim1606]

We change floors, and brood boxes as well as shook swarm all colonies onto new foundation.

 

[oliver90owner]

I used to change boxes more regularly, but not in the last 5 years. Dartingtons are not so easy! and OMFs are often totally clear - nothing like the days of solid floors when the crud stuck to the floor!

Changing boxes is not a bad idea and I usually flame and give a coat of preservative, if required, while they are out of service.

RAB

 

[Erichalfbee]

Thanks,folks.
I have hubby busy altering a OMF to one with an entrance underneath. I'd like to give that a try on my one remaining wooden box.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Thanks,folks.
I have hubby busy altering a OMF to one with an entrance underneath. I'd like to give that a try on my one remaining wooden box.

oh dear - have I started a new fad here?