38mm spaced Hoffman frames

[Neils]

In theory it's possible to get Hoffman frames on 38mm spacing rather than the default 35mm. My google fu must be weak because the only detail I can find on this is a thread back in 2009 started by... Er... Me.

Was just wondering if anyone had any idea who might supply these mystical items. I know I could just slap spacers on the existing frames but I quite like not having to.

[gavin]

They do tend to look untidy in a brood box, don't they

Frames with spacers/plastic ends/plastic metal ends that is.

[Neils]

And they fall off etc etc /winge

[Jon]

I use mainly Hoffmans but I have frames with plastic spacers on the ends as well.
They don't fall off once there is a smidgeon of propolis applied.
Some beekeepers think you are more likely to crush a queen with Hoffmans as there is a bigger area being pushed together but you should wait until the queen is in the middle of a frame before pushing them together anyway.
I reckon it is 6 of one and half a dozen of the other.

[gavin]

Back to Nellie's original post - is there a good reason for going to 38mm? I quite like the option of slipping in an extra frame in some of my boxes and the bees seem happy with the space they have in the brood box, as long as the available space stays as it is and doesn't expand and contract. In other words keep the frames pushed together.

[Jon]

I like to have a bit of a gap at one end of the box, ie 35mm suits me.
It will hold a thin dummy board and allows the first frame to be easily removed during an inspection.
Even if there is no dummy board it is unlikely to get filled with brace comb if you are inspecting weekly.

[Neils]

Back to Nellie's original post - is there a good reason for going to 38mm? I quite like the option of slipping in an extra frame in some of my boxes and the bees seem happy with the space they have in the brood box, as long as the available space stays as it is and doesn't expand and contract. In other words keep the frames pushed together.

Well as far as I can see, the only reason that they're 35mm as standard is to try and limit the amount of drone brood produced so I thought I'd give 38mm spacing a go if I could find some and see what difference, if any, was apparent. Though I have seen conflicting reports around the place that "natural" spacing is closer to 35mm than 38mm.

I know I could just stick spacers on them, but I do actually quite like hoffmans, if you're careful then squashing bees isn't a problem.

[Savoyard]

Back to Nellie's original post - is there a good reason for going to 38mm? .

It has been suggested that wider spacing impedes varroa activity. A nearby beekeeper is doing some experiments. Last time I heard, he had not given up, so there may be something in it.

(He mixes long, short and absent spacers, both metal and plastic, to get a variety of spaces...)

Savoyard

[susbees]

I like that idea Rosie. Not sure I can be that organised though. As I am on commercials tempted to dummy both ends on the native type colonies for the summer

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[Neils]

Well foundation except for the drone brood frame . I might experiment, one hive on 38mm drone frame spacing, one on 35mn and see if there's any appreciable difference.