Hey all,
So I'd like to start my beekeeping with standard hive sizing. Now I know I'll need to cater for some full size gear as that's probably how Nucs will come when I find a bee supplier but due to weight issues and a bad back, I'd like to pick WSP, Manley (or is it Manly? Seen it spelled both ways) or Ideal sizing for most of my stuff.
I was leaning towards Ideal, as it seems to be the second most common size in Aus, but my local supplier (25 minutes away) only has Ideal boxes, not frames :( They do have Manley boxes & frames, as well as WSP, but my second closest supplier (90 minutes away) has no Manley gear, but they do have Ideal & WSP.
I was also leaning towards 8 frame, even though 10 frame accessories etc are easier to find, so am in two minds on that one. Another variable is that after I get two or three standard hives setup, I will be getting a Flow hive as well, which is 8 frame full depth gear.
I'd rather buy local and a 25 minute drive is much more palatable than 90 minutes, but they are also a small rural supplier, whereas the others are a large Brisbane supplier, so longer term availability is likely to be better in Brisbane.
I just don't want to shoot myself in the foot, by making my initial investment in Manley gear, and finding I have to change down the track.
Any thoughts?
Thanks.
Russell.