8-Frame vs. 10-Frame Beehives: Which To Choose
Modern beekeepers have the luxury of choice. There are many different kinds of hives and equipment to choose from, each with its own perks and benefits. One of the decisions you’ll need to make for your hive is whether to use 8-frame vs. 10-frame beehives. There are pros and cons to each option, but only you can decide what’s best for you and your honey bees. When choosing between 8-frame and 10-frame beehives, keep the following considerations in mind.
Ease of Access
As a beekeeper, you need to be able to work in and around your hive comfortably. Disassembling hives, moving boxes, and inspecting frames can put strain on your body no matter what kind of hive you choose. However, you can make the process as gentle as possible on yourself by choosing the right hive. 10-frame beehives are shorter overall and have fewer boxes to work through during inspections. Meanwhile, 8-frame hive boxes are lighter, making them easier to lift, but you will likely need more of them in your hive.
Honey Production
Another consideration to make when choosing between 8-frame and 10-frame beehives is your rate of honey production. Think about how big you want your hive to be and how much honey you want to harvest. A 10-frame hive box provides more room for your honey and brood. On the other hand, honey bees are more likely to fill more space in an 8-frame box before moving up to the next box in the hive.
The Honey Bees' Comfort
It’s also important to think about your honey bees’ comfort within the hive. The more compact 8-frame hive box proves particularly beneficial in the winter, as it provides a cozier, better-insulated home for the bees’ cluster. This also makes it easier for the cluster to reach their honey storage in the winter. Additionally, the 8-frame hive is a better match for the tall, narrow hives that wild honey bees make, meaning it’s better suited for the honey bees’ natural instincts and building methods.
No matter what kind of hive you choose, shop Mann Lake to find the highest quality beehive boxes for sale. Our hives and equipment will give your honey bees the home and care they need to live healthy, productive lives in your apiary.