Bamboo amd/or Eltalia - I'm still learning, so pls bear with me - and thank you for your explanations
so far.
For mine (only) it is never a chore to discuss method. However arguing for or against
set (certain) positions/philosophy in online mediums is something I have well proved
is n0t fruitfull, nor helpfull in fostering cordial relations.
This assumes I understood you correctly of course - which is not always a guarantee with me. :)
Nah..from your response I'd offer you have the general picture from Mark's loose layout
(nailing it) albeit not getting into detail - like "frame manipulation" is a broad topic across
differing conditions, and whilst long practised among seasoned b'keeps (here) isn't something
easily conveyed in short message format.... least not by long-winded moi. ;-))
Your stack management as described is one philosophy, one many follow and also
advocated for in a number of retail publications. Whilst it isn't common for queens to
move above 3 boxes in brood production it does happen, and a definite following on
severe dearth as she has moved up following the cluster feeding. When the dearth
breaks she lays where she is fed, in those top boxes.
However the prime reason for restricting stack heights is a simple numbers game.
In a flow your 60,000 bees will service even 5boxes above a QE yet allow your
100,000 bees free reign in the same 6box stack and they only service the top three.
It's simple maths.... you have 30 frames up against 40 to pull and 40,000 more
mouths to feed. AND all only because it is easy work, requiring little to none husbandry
on the part of the beekeeper.
Fine if you can get away with it.
Which brings up the most relevant issue here in Australia.
Contrary to what is populist Internet driven rhetoric, whilst we are indeed The Lucky Country
in owning beekeeping maybe 300days a year in most locations successfull beeeeeping
just does not fall into your lap, you have to work at it, 300days a year. This as forage is at
massive peaks and long deep dearths for many of those same locations.
So it is the choice is to either move them around (migratory) or keep numbers at a
manageable level for those small continuous flows. Both require maintaining an absolute
max of 3boxes total with a single (9/10) broodchamber... throwing boxes on for the flow(s).
Regrettably - in my view - much of online 'advice' is leading backyarders down the perilous path
of running more boxes in feeding bees sugar syrup(lollywater) as rescue for "starving bees", even
when urban forage is known to be continous.... losing entirely the skillset of beekeeping and
generating a closed loop effect in fostering sick bees at far greater numbers than a healthy
managed colony requires to both survive and return their service to the environment - pollination.
The last para is wholly my personal philosophy, with no judgement made of those not sharing
similar other than disdain for those finding mixing pails of lollywater is easier than applying
themselves to caring for bees in their charge.
Cheers.
Bill