Deep super

[deverdude]

Hi all,
My foray into the world of bees. I bought a deep super (shoulda got a standard) and got a 5 frame nuc that used standard (?) sized frames. I had no time to run out and get a smaller hive box, so I simply put them in the middle of the new one I had, buttressed on either side by the extra frames and follower boards. What are the difficulties/problems pursuant to doing this? If it's important, I have a "Serge Lavasque-style" top feeder that seems to be working quite well with a vented inner cover, as well as a Country Rubes Screen Bottom Board. They seem happy and busy to me, but this is only the end of the second day.

[sc-bee]

>My foray into the world of bees. I bought a deep super (shoulda got a standard) and got a 5 frame nuc that used standard (?) sized frames.

I guess by standard you mean medium or Illinois. Nothing is standard in beekeeping !

Most folks run deeps as brood chambers but many are switching to mediums for all boxes. This makes everything fit. However most Nucs are deeps unless special order.

>What are the difficulties/problems pursuant to doing this?

The bees will draw out extra comb at the bottom of the frames. Is it a problem? Only if you perceive it as one. It does make handling the frames more difficult ---- the extra comb will sag or break if turned wrong.

[deverdude]

Thank you for responding, sc-bee. I was heretofore informed that it would be something just short of a nightmare, encouraging significant pest growth and excessive drone production. This will be the 3rd day since installing the nuc. In general, how long should I wait before I might have a look-see (still reading)?

[sc-bee]

> This will be the 3rd day since installing the nuc. In general, how long should I wait before I might have a look-see (still reading)?

Probably a few more days. as you know inspections are counter productive. Try to hold it to once a week. I know it is hard ! People chastise about frequent inspections. If you are learning that's what that are there for--- your enjoyment hat is also a good reason to start with at least two hive. Rotate inspections or leave one alone a little more

>encouraging significant pest growth and excessive drone production. This will be the 3rd day since installing the nuc.

They often draw drones as the drop comb on a frame or in open space. If they already have their drone quota they will often draw the drop comb as worker brood, just like a foundationless frame. It is however hard to handle.

As far as pest growth if it encourages drone production it could be a problem unless of course you remove the drop comb if it is drones when capped and use it as a form of IPM Of course drones have a place in the colony also