Newbie - Question about Langstoth Hives?

[maddiekisses]

I had my shopping list all ready, but then started second-guessing myself.  I had planned to start with two hives, one deep hive body and one medium super each, 8 frames.  Now I am wondering if it's necessary to start with two deep hive body's each with one medium super.  I've read a lot of people say that it's imperative that a hive has three boxes to start.  I realize that with one deep and one medium I will eventually have to add more, but are three boxes something I must start with?

[maddiekisses]

Oh, I am also going with a 5 frame nuc for each hive.  If this matters to the original posting or not I am not sure, but I thought I'd mention it.

[sc-bee]

>I've read a lot of people say that it's imperative that a hive has three boxes to start.  I realize that with one deep and one medium I will eventually have to add more, but are three boxes something I must start with?

No.................. you just have to have equipment ready when bees need it. Alot of times that depends on how readily available it is to you.

Do yourself a favor and make all your boxes mediums. Everything will fit and can be interchanged. Alot of folks are going to 8 frame mediums due to weight but you can get 10 frame mediums. The 8 frame equipment cost more in the long run (m0re boxes, number wise, for brood etc) but it definitely cuts down on alot of hassle with things fitting were you want them when you want them a lighter to handle.

[maddiekisses]

No.................. you just have to have equipment ready when bees need it. Alot of times that depends on how readily available it is to you.

Do yourself a favor and make all your boxes mediums. Everything will fit and can be interchanged. Alot of folks are going to 8 frame mediums due to weight but you can get 10 frame mediums. The 8 frame equipment cost more in the long run (m0re boxes, number wise, for brood etc) but it definitely cuts down on alot of hassle with things fitting were you want them when you want them a lighter to handle.

I can get it as quick as I can order it and have it shipped.  I have been unable to find a place within a day's driving distance where I can purchase hive equipment.  I live out in the boonies.  I've had some people recommend all mediums, but I think I definitely want one deep hive body per hive and then everything else will be medium.  All boxes are going to 8 frame.   The nucs I am getting are for a deep hive. 

Thanks for your input.  It's greatly appreciated!

[BlueBee]

It's a personal preference, but I still like large combs for brood myself.  Yeah, having different sized frames makes for an inconvenience from time to time, but nothing is perfect in bee keeping.  The only real negative I see in deeps is their weight.  If you can mitigate that in your design, deeps are good IMO.

As sc-bee says, No you don't need 3 boxes to start!  Usually it's best not to overwhelm the bees with a bunch of empty space when starting anyways.  A bunch of empty space makes it harder for the bees to heat the hive/brood.  Empty space also makes the hive more susceptible to pests like wax moths.  It's better to start colonies out in confined space and just add more boxes when they need them.

[Michael Bush]

I want one box to start.  I use all eight frame mediums.  But you want more boxes on hand because in three weeks they may need more room.

http://www.bushfarms.com/beeslazy.htm#uniformframesize
http://www.bushfarms.com/beeseightframemedium.htm