>
> > explain Randy why you prefer a deep and a medium.


Bob, this was a common configuration in Calif when we still hand loaded.
Bottom boards nailed on.  The advantage was better center of gravity for
lifting, and less weight.  Far easier on the back than double deeps.

However, it was a pain to have two different sizes of frames.

When I started selling nucs each spring, I changed to all double deeps.
Very hard on the back.  I hand loaded by myself for some years--would put
one on the ground at the side of the truck.  Then you pick a double deep up,
get a run at the truck, step up onto the double on the ground, and lift the
double up onto the first double on the bed, stacking doubles two high.

Then hand unload in reverse at the other end.  Very awkward to set down a
double deep!  My record was 35 minutes from the time I reached the orchard
to untie, unload 72 colonies at 6 drops, tie off the truck, and start the
engine (the older I get, the better I was).

Whenever I could, I'd hire a laborer to help--much easier with two men.
Unfortunately,  I paid for that kind of lifting with years at the
chiropractor--I wouldn't dare do it today!  Nor would I recommend it for
anyone else--I was young and dumb.

In Calif, we don't need as much honey for wintering as in a double deep.
But the ideal configuration depends upon the beekeeper.  Since I sell lots
of nucs, I run everything double deeps, or even triples in the almonds, so
that I can split them down in March.

I've wondered if the hobbyist might do well with medium, deep, medium for
the brood chamber, so that he/she could reverse the mediums in spring for
swarm control.  But I've never tried.

Randy

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