Put empty box on the bottom - any problem with that?

[Koala John]

Hi,
In Australia, Spring is in full swing, and the bees are busy and happy. My second bee yard is booming, and I got through Winter with no losses, so am very happy with my first year efforts. However today I had to do something I suspect is a little unusual....

I have a single hive that I discovered today is bursting at the seams. So I added a new box with alternating foundation and drawn comb, but put it on the bottom of the hive rather than the top. The reason is a little embarrassing - I was just having a quick peek, and had no smoker, or gloves, and was very low on time, - I am leaving on holiday for one week. There was also drone comb under the lid that was stopping me adding a box on top without significant work. When I return I can reverse the arrangement, but I just needed to get new combs on (under!) them ASAP to avoid swarming.

So have I caused a problem by doing this? Should I be swapping the new box from the bottom onto the top as soon as I return next week? Or should I leave things alone when I return?

Thanks for any advice,
Koala John.

[Michael Bush]

>o I added a new box with alternating foundation and drawn comb, but put it on the bottom of the hive rather than the top.

If they decide to use it for brood it will work fine.  If they decide to use it for honey they will fatten the drawn comb, ignore the foundation and you won't be able to get the frames out because the fat ones will protrude under the top bars of the foundation ones.  You'd be better to put the drawn ones on the outside and the foundation in the center or vice a versa, but not alternated.

[Koala John]

Thanks Michael, I never thought of that. I'll hope they take their time in building out the comb and the minute I get back from holidays next week I will move the frames as you suggest.
Thanks again,
John.