Super above or below?

[Simon a beekeeper]

One of my hives had 3 supers on when I cleared them. One had no capped stores and lots of empty frames so I left it on top of the BB and just extracted honey from the other 2.
I have read that the honey can be given back to the bees to store in the BB.
I have seen a thread where the super is on top of the BB, with a crown board with a small access hole for the bees to go through in between.
I have also seen posts with the super below the BB presumably with a QE between the super and BB.
Am I correct in thinking these are two ways to achieve the same goal?
If so is one way better?

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

I have also seen posts with the super below the BB presumably with a QE between the super and BB.

it's a tidy and efficient way of doing it - but there's no need for a QX

I have seen a thread where the super is on top of the BB, with a crown board with a small access hole for the bees to go through in between.

a fiddler's method - doesn't always work, and when it does, depending on conditions can take ages.

 

[enrico]

Or, thirdly, you can spin it all off and give it back to the same hive in a rapid feeder.

 

[Erichalfbee]

I have also seen posts with the super below the BB presumably with a QE between the super and BB.

No QX
If there are wasps about reduce the entrance and put inspection tray in.
Leave for a week then take the nadired super away which should be empty

 

[Simon a beekeeper]

No QX. So I assume that means the Queen won't go down into the super?
How long would I leave the super below the BB?

 

[Simon a beekeeper]

Sorry just seen, leave for a week. Thanks

 

[Swarm]

You can leave it all winter and remove in the spring, it won't hurt.

 

[ericbeaumont]

means the Queen won't go down into the super?

Consider the colony trajectory at this time of year: contracting, reduced laying, smaller nest.

Conclusion: no, the queen will not need to go down into the cooler combs below.

 

[drex]

a fiddler's method - doesn't always work, and when it does, depending on conditions can take ages.

Never had a problem with it . Saves lifting double BB

 

[Peterjay]

Never had a problem with it . Saves lifting double BB

I know the arguments in favour, but I don't like storing wet frames in the winter, so I always get the bees to clean out their extracted frames with the boxes on top and with constricted access for them....it works well and is much less messing about. It was on this forum a few years ago that I first saw that method recommended.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Sorry just seen, leave for a week. Thanks

I leave mine for a week which is enough time for the bees to move the stores up. The reason I don’t leave it all winter is that I run 14x12 and the outer frames in nadired super get mouldy.
Swarm is right if you run Nationals the box is likely safe where it is and also acts as a buffer if you have OMF

 

[Curly green finger's]

I know the arguments in favour, but I don't like storing wet frames in the winter, so I always get the bees to clean out their extracted frames with the boxes on top and with constricted access for them....it works well and is much less messing about. It was on this forum a few years ago that I first saw that method recommended.

It works well when the flow has stopped or autumn/spring feeding.
No income bees will rob out from wherever they can even nadired supers

 

[Erichalfbee]

It works well when the flow has stopped or autumn/spring feeding.
No income bees will rob out from wherever they can even nadired supers

Do you store your frames wet or dry, Mark?

 

[Curly green finger's]

Do you store your frames wet or dry, Mark?

Both usually but this season they will all be dry hopefully - aldepending on the heather and ivy.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Heavens. That’s a lot of work for you. I find it bloomin difficult even with six production hives

 

[Simon a beekeeper]

I was told that it's better to store supers wet as they are less likely to get wax moth?

 

[Curly green finger's]

I was told that it's better to store supers wet as they are less likely to get wax moth?

Aldepending how there stored also if they’ve had brood in .

 

[Curly green finger's]

Heavens. That’s a lot of work for you. I find it bloomin difficult even with six production hives

Luckily or unluckily I’ve less colony’s now than the last few years but increasing quite rapidly over the next two seasons.
So I’ve only 8 on the heather unlike last year where we had 32.
I’ve had less production colonys this season because I’ve been splitting like mad, I’m wintering 7 of ceris queens in various stages of strength(colonies 2024 queens)
And 22 colony’s of my own at various strengths oh plus a few mini nucs better not forget about those.
Tch are doing a tasting session at myriad organics next Friday I’m hopping to have 10 different types of honey on display plus an observation hive remove this part @Erichalfbee if you feel I’m advertising

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

I was told that it's better to store supers wet as they are less likely to get wax moth?

it does discourage waxmoth (even in brooded frames) and is also less work

 

[Erichalfbee]

Tch are doing a tasting session at myriad organics next Friday I’m hopping to have 10 different types of honey on display plus an observation hive remove this part @Erichalfbee if you feel I’m advertising

No go for it. Post pictures.
The guys there think you’re the best thing since sliced bread.
I was there incognito some time ago