Space around frames

[Greg Peck]

When a frame is setting in a hive body should there be space between the edge of the frame and the hive body or should there be little to no space. Should the bees be able to go from one side of the frame to the other with out going over the top or under the bottom. The reason I am asking is that some of the boxes I made seem to have a little more space then the ones I bought. Should I make it so that there is X inches from the end of a frame and the edge of the box? If I need to adjust the spacing what spacing is required?

Thanks

[Understudy]

The frames should have some bee space between the wall of the hive and the face of the comb. The standard 10 frame hive is designed to hold the frames tightly but there will be space in front of the comb. However the edges of the frame are wider and will touch the hive wall.

The bees should be able to crawl over the tops of the frames. The bottom of the frames should not touch the top of the frames below them. The bees may build burr comb inbetween them but that is okay.

Sincerely,
Brendhan

[Greg Peck]

Brendhan thanks for the info. I am still wondering about the space between the sides of the frames. For instance a frame is approximately 19 inches wide. My box is approximately 20 inches wide  So when the frame sits in the box I have approx 1/2 inch on each side of the frame. (I don’t have exact measurement on hand, these are just for illustration proposes) I am wondering if by box should be just big enough for the frame to slide into the box or if there is to be like 1/2 inch on either side of the frame once it is sitting in the box.

[Jerrymac]

Yes there is space between frame and wall. All the spaces top, bottom and side should be 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch. If too narrow they propolize it and too wide they build comb in it. If it is just right you should get little to none burr comb.

[NWIN Beekeeper]

Greg,

There is a gap between the frame endbars and the hive body walls.

This IS DESIRABLE because of serveral reasons.
1. Like mentioned above, its a transporation area.
This is good because bees don't have to travel the height of the frame to climb over it.
2. It improves communication among bees, that don't have to climb over the frame.
3. It improves bee patrols for disease and pest (if it were too narrow pest could hide).
Being northerly SHB probably aren't a factor for you, but it allows the bees to chase SHB.
4. Less propolis tying frames to hive bodies.
5. Gap acts as prying space for "J" hive tools.
6. Avenue of travel not over brood/queen/workers (probably reduces swarming impluses).

Hope this thoughts make sense why the space is there.

-Jeff

[Michael Bush]

>When a frame is setting in a hive body should there be space between the edge of the frame and the hive body or should there be little to no space.

Not more than 3/8" and not less than 1/4"

[Finsky]

Old advice is that , if gap in the hive is more than 10 mm, bees construct combs there. If it is less than 5 mm, bees clue it with propolis.

When hive box has 10 frames  35 mm x 10 pieces, it need 10 mm more space to twist  apart frames.

If you make 3-frame box, it needs  3 X 35 mm + 10 mm

If gaps are too narrow and you pull grames off, bees will be crushed between frame and walls.

[Greg Peck]

Thank you all for your help. I have to make some small adjustments then I will be set...I hope.