I'm wondering if using 14x12 frames might result in more honey in the supers at the end of the summer, but is that offset by the need to feed? and to be honest the 14 x 12 box is usually big enough to take even the biggest colony and the most fecund of queens- by the time they have got to full size you have supers on anyway and they have the extra space they need . The cladding on this shed is Dip Treated 16mm (planed to 12mm finish) specially designed rebated shiplap. A fecund queen will produce more brood than a single 14 x 12 can cope with, so you are then faced with the prospect of having a box that's too small or using a second brood box - and there are probably few beekeepers who would relish doing a Demaree and putting a 14 x 12 above 3 or 4 supers on top of a queen in a lower 14 x 12 as an example.

If your queens are fecund enough to need that sized brood box then far better (IMHO) to go for double brood. IMHO 14 x 12's are not a well thought out system when it comes to the practicality and management of bees. Only once we are completely happy that the bees are ready to be hived and that the weather is suitable will we start to let them go out.The most common flaw is a slight blue tinge which is a natural colouration sometimes appearing during the drying process whilst some others may have a small knot in the underside of the frame bar. Any timber has been cut, pierced, or drilled without a subsequent application of approved cut-end treatment. But it's all a matter of personal choice and what suits YOU - the only way to find out is to try a 14 x 12 and see.

This gives the hives great durability, able to withstand hive tools and the usual beehive inspections. Our box not only acts as a single 6 frame nuc, it can also double up as a 2-way mating nuc with the unique divider insert and separate coloured entrances located on each side of the box. Put the 14x12 box with frames and foundation on top of the national brood (they have the same 46cm square foot print) and then wait for them to move up into the 14x*12. You can change your choices at any time by visiting Cookie preferences, as described in the Cookie notice.All parts of the frame have been machine tooled to our usual exacting standards and just the top bars may have these slight cosmetic flaws which will not be noticed by the bees and will in no way affect their function. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average.

The 14 x 12 eke is a simple device which fits on top of a National brood box to provide space for 12″ high frames (see below).Ensure any consignment note from the carrier is clearly marked ‘unexamined’ – deleting the words ‘in good condition’. If not shifting hives about weight should be too much of an issue - a frame of brood doesnt weigh much. Frames for illustration purposes only and are not included, please note these boxes are not supplied with bees.