Which hive if you started from scratch?

[karlbown]

If you were starting from scratch, assuming you had no equipment at all, which brood body size and type would you go for?

 

[Queens59]

I'd go one size box, not Rose, but maybe supers all the way - the number of times in a year that I haven't got the exact right box - drives me mad - so one box for everything has a great attraction!

 

[karlbown]

That's a very good idea, I wish I knew how to update the poll to add it! Also I forgot TBH if anyone thinks that's a good option.

I'd go one size box, not Rose, but maybe supers all the way - the number of times in a year that I haven't got the exact right box - drives me mad - so one box for everything has a great attraction!

 

[IBeeHere]

Voted 14 x 12 wood as no option for 14 x 12 poly. However still considering poly langstroth to try out.

 

[Ely]

I'd go one size box, not Rose, but maybe supers all the way - the number of times in a year that I haven't got the exact right box - drives me mad - so one box for everything has a great attraction!

My exact thoughts too. My beekeeping would have gone much smoother over the last 3 years had I the same size box. I'm thinking poly national boxes when I restart. I would go langstroth but already have the obscenely expensive plastic bucket national extractor.

 

[Cie]

I voted Other, because I've started from scratch this year with Warré hives.

 

[Ely]

I voted Other, because I've started from scratch this year with Warré hives.

How are you finding them?

 

[Cie]

How are you finding them?

Everything I wanted them to be, and the bees seem to be very happy too.

 

[Hivemaker.]

If you were starting from scratch, assuming you had no equipment at all, which brood body size and type would you go for?

Cedar standard national.

 

[Headnavigator]

Cedar standard national.

Mine were from Hivemaker and I have no wish for anything different; only 'mods' - the addition of ekes containing 5" Kingspan in winter (and right now over a particularly weak colony).

 

[madasafish]

I voted Other. Warre and TBH here..

I keep threatening to buy a poly something but the price* puts me off - and I have 5 sheets of 35mm insulation plus lots of wood left to build my own..(Do not tell my wife!)

* The costs of one covers all my hive costs to date.

 

[alanf]

Interesting question, interesting answers I hope. There is the advantage of using what the majority of your neighbours use, local stocks of kit, borrowing a few wax foundations and so on. More of an influence for those with a hive or two. If all the options were equally available locally the answer might be different.

 

[fatshark]

I'd be tempted with Langstroth, either wood or poly, because of the slightly larger brood area and the price of kit from the continent. However, the point alanf makes is a good one ... everyone around me uses nationals and I like to sell a few nucs to association members.

 

[pargyle]

I'd go with the long hive I have now but made from something a lot lighter. It's easy to work, no heavy lifting and the bees seem to like it. But, there's a lot to be said for DerekM's insulated boxes ... in a 14 x 12 size.

 

[garlicpickle]

I'd stick with National. I'm only little and I find a National BB heavy to move around when it's full. There's no way I'd be able to manage a larger size hive without assistance.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

I did toy with going Langstroth, rather that than 14x12 any day but after some deliberation stuck with nationals - wood obviously (I think the old man will be spinning already as I've put UPVC windows in! so poly hives would be going too far)

 

[hedgerow pete]

because i would be looking to purchase everything from poland i would go for a polish lang in poly or timber

 

[karlbown]

Why Poland?

 

[PennyB]

If you were starting from scratch, assuming you had no equipment at all, which brood body size and type would you go for?

I went for 2 x second hand wood langstroth. Made sure I fully blow torched it before putting bees in it though. Didn't get my bees until late but the girls are working well.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Why Poland?

Cheap