9 Frame Spacing

[PeskySquirrel]

I was planning to space my 10 frame supers with 9 frame spacing. I just read in the Brushy Mtn catalog that you shouldn't use 9 frame spacing if your frames only have foundation (i.e., no built-out comb yet). I'm a newbie and only have foundation at this point. Do I really need to let the bees build-out the foundation using all ten frames, then convert to 9? What's the issue? There's too much space between 9 foundation-only frames, such that the bees will go crazy building free-forms (for lack of a better word)? Anyone have experience in this area? Thank you.

[Kathyp]

i was just talking to someone who did the same.  the bees made a mess building bridge comb.  it all had to be scraped clean.  if they have drawn the comb already, they don't seem to make such a mess.  personally, i don't see the advantage, other than less weight, to doing 9 frames in the brood box.  maybe in the honey supers to get deeper build on the honey comb. 

what was your thinking on the 9 frames?  many here have gone to using all mediums to keep weight down.  that seems like a great idea to me, but i have so many deeps that it's not practical to switch.

[Jerrymac]

Let them draw the ten frames first or they will try to make comb in the wide open spaces. I think the advantage to the nine frame is it makes it easier to uncap when it is harvesting time.

[PeskySquirrel]

My thinking in going to 9 frames in the supers is: easier uncapping; and more honey.

Thanks for the replies everyone. I will let the bees build-out the foundation at 10 frame spacing and then reduce later.

[deejaycee]

"There's too much space between 9 foundation-only frames, such that the bees will go crazy building free-forms "

Bingo.

I had two swarms caught this season - only had foundation to give both.  One I gave 9 frames with foundation, the other ten.

The nine frame hive is still suffering from badly drawn comb in the brood nest, though later additions of ten frame boxes for honey have proven they're perfectly adept at drawing good comb.

The ten frame hive drew their comb out perfectly and has a beautiful brood nest. 

It all comes back to 'bee space'.  Less than 6 mm they'll propolise.. more than 9 mm they'll build comb to fill it.

[Sean Kelly]

I had the same problem.  9 Frames of chaos.  Bridge comb everywhere.  Frames stuck to frames.  Nasty.  Had to cut it all out and start over (thank you crush and strain).

Sean Kelly

[Michael Bush]

>Do I really need to let the bees build-out the foundation using all ten frames, then convert to 9?

Yes.

> What's the issue?

Bees always prefer their own comb and 9 frame spacing gives them enough room between the frames to build their own and ignore your foundation.

> There's too much space between 9 foundation-only frames, such that the bees will go crazy building free-forms (for lack of a better word)?

Yes.

>Anyone have experience in this area?

Yes.

[Michael Bush]

http://www.bushfarms.com/beesfaqs.htm#framespacing

[Cindi]

PeskySquirrel.  Missed you, so......welcome to our forum.  YOu have already found out that this is a great place to ask questions, you have received some great answers already.  Enjoy your stay with us here, tell us of yourself, I mean introduce yourself officially in the forum for new members, that would be nice.  It is always nice to hear what the new member is up to, what they are doing in their lives, we are an interested crew, and we care.

Ask your questions, all questions are important and will get answers, have a wonderful day, awesome life, and love this life we live.  Cindi

[Brian D. Bray]

My thinking in going to 9 frames in the supers is: easier uncapping; and more honey.

Thanks for the replies everyone. I will let the bees build-out the foundation at 10 frame spacing and then reduce later.

Not more honey, just easier to uncap.  The honey yield of 9 verses 10 frames is minimal just deeper combs.