8-Frame vs. 10-Frame Beehives: Which To Choose
Modern beekeepers have the luxury of choice. There are various 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 hives or 10-frame hives. Each option has pros and cons, but only you can decide what’s best for you and your honeybees. When choosing between 8-frame hives and 10-frame hives, 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 a strain on your body no matter what kind of hive you choose. However, you can make the process as gentle as possible on yourself and the bees by choosing the right hive: 10-frame hives 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 hives and 10-frame hives 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 your brood. On the other hand, honey bees tend 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 is more optimal than the 10-frame hive. The 8-frame 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 its honey storage in the winter. Additionally, the 8-frame hive is a better match for the tall, narrow hives that wild honeybees make, which means it’s better suited for the honey bees’ natural instincts and building methods.
Shop Mann Lake Today!
Check out Mann Lake for the most common bee equipment and specialized tools and gear. No matter what kind of hive you choose, we can provide you with the highest-quality beehive boxes for sale for 10-frame and 8-frame hives. Our hive boxes and beekeeping equipment will give your honey bees the home and care they need to live healthy, productive lives in your apiary.