Frank asks:
>So is reversing only about getting the queen across the gap?

No.

>Is there ever a good reason to reverse where the queen is already >laying
in two brood  chambers?

Sure! Reversing is a useful tool of beekeeping.

Queens do seem to prefer to move up. A simple reverse to put emerging and
empty cells above the queen many times will prevent swarming and increase
brood production.

When nights are warm and plenty of bees splitting the brood nest is not a
big deal. Reversing and splitting the nest when nights are cold and early in
spring can end up with a bunch of chilled brood.

Forget the daytime temp you need to be concerned about the night temp and
number of bees to cover the brood.

If I see (from past experience) I can help a hive of bees by rearranging the
brood nest I make a move. If I am not sure I LEAVE ALONE .

Do bees/queens prefer to move up:

Years ago I took five strong  hives in singles all of the same strength and
put a empty box of drawn comb above and below.

I came back a week later and three had moved up, one had moved down and one
had moved both ways.

Although not very scientific I concluded that bees /queens like to move up
when given a chance.

Bob

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