# How many brood boxes do I need? **URL:** https://forum.honeyflow.com/c/beekeeping-basics/how-many-brood-boxes/35.md [Latest](https://forum.honeyflow.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://forum.honeyflow.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://forum.honeyflow.com/tags.md) --- ## [How many brood boxes do I need?](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/how-many-brood-boxes-do-i-need/11982)
**Author:** [@Faroe](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Faroe)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2020, 12:13am UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/how-many-brood-boxes-do-i-need/11982 "2020-09-16T00:13:39Z")
Depending on your location, the amount of flowers available year round, how cold it gets, etc., etc. will affect how many brood boxes you should use in your beehive / Flow Hive. Where the Flow Hive was invented (Byron … --- ## [Mite treatment and Supers](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/mite-treatment-and-supers/39444)
**Author:** [@Erizz00](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Erizz00)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2026, 1:06am UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/mite-treatment-and-supers/39444 "2026-07-21T01:06:51Z")
Hi there. I am a two year old bee keeper so still trying to figure out these rascals. I am in Austin Texas and the flow for the most part is over for the summer and time to really pay attention to the mite treatments. I… --- ## [Bavaria: To add second brood box, or not?](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/bavaria-to-add-second-brood-box-or-not/39614)
**Author:** [@dsacha](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/dsacha)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2025, 6:41am UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/bavaria-to-add-second-brood-box-or-not/39614 "2025-08-11T06:41:29Z")
I live in Bavaria, and it’s my second year beekeeping, with the Flow Hive 2+, with 10 frame brood box. It’s 10 August, and we are entering Autumn with the days getting now shorter as we head towards winter. It’s still ho… --- ## [Brood Addition vs Super](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/brood-addition-vs-super/39319)
**Author:** [@JacMac](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/JacMac)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2025, 2:59am UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/brood-addition-vs-super/39319 "2025-06-21T02:59:52Z")
Hello, Newbee here … have a FlowHive 2+ and the addition of my Nuc was great with good results. Thinking I had too much activity and trying to avoid a swarm, I added a 2nd Brood Box. The bees are still working well, but … --- ## [One or two brood box? Melbourne Australia](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/one-or-two-brood-box-melbourne-australia/36437)
**Author:** [@RealSasha](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/RealSasha)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2024, 9:27am UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/one-or-two-brood-box-melbourne-australia/36437 "2024-11-19T09:27:38Z")
I am after some advice from more experienced beekeepers. I have been into bees for 2 years but started keeping bees in November 2023. I am in Melbourne Australia. Living in a suburban house in an area with heaps of flow… --- ## [Second smaller brood box](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/second-smaller-brood-box/37160)
**Author:** [@PamB](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/PamB)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2024, 7:37pm UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/second-smaller-brood-box/37160 "2024-06-23T19:37:41Z")
Hello, I had my helper accidently put some smaller frames in the brood box. I found the larger frames that are supposed to be in there and I was planning on switching them out. Since I have 4 smaller frames full of broo… --- ## [When is it time to add a second super?](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/when-is-it-time-to-add-a-second-super/37072)
**Author:** [@PamB](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/PamB)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2024, 12:17am UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/when-is-it-time-to-add-a-second-super/37072 "2024-06-05T00:17:56Z")
In early fall I added a second super and the bees took all the honey from the first super into the brood boxes. When we realized they had taken all the honey out of the first one we removed the second super. It is now su… --- ## [How to buy foundationless frames with comb guide and others](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/how-to-buy-foundationless-frames-with-comb-guide-and-others/36131)
**Author:** [@sanny069](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/sanny069)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2023, 7:22am UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/how-to-buy-foundationless-frames-with-comb-guide-and-others/36131 "2023-12-25T07:22:19Z")
Hello - Flow Hives have been sold out of the Flow Hive foundationless frames with comb guides so I was wondering if anyone can tell me where I could pick some up in the Northern Calif area just below Sacramento, as I nee… --- ## [Add brood box or split?](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/add-brood-box-or-split/36064)
**Author:** [@Tomoliver](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Tomoliver)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2023, 10:24pm UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/add-brood-box-or-split/36064 "2023-12-07T22:24:06Z")
Wondering what other people do in our situation. We have a flow hive with one brood box and the flow super on top. The hive is very full and we are harvesting honey every few weeks (leaving min. 3 frames of honey in th f… --- ## [Adding a second brood box](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/adding-a-second-brood-box/24513)
**Author:** [@Sullykat](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Sullykat)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2023, 9:07pm UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/adding-a-second-brood-box/24513 "2023-07-16T21:07:03Z")
Hi Beeks, New beekeeper here. I have two Flow Hive 2 bee hives. I bought two nucs and installed them 4 days ago. I have been told by our local bee assoc. that the 8 frame brood box (most use 10 frame here) will not be e… --- ## [Looking for Coastal Central Florida beeks](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/looking-for-coastal-central-florida-beeks/34985)
**Author:** [@Cmiles](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Cmiles)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2023, 4:11pm UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/looking-for-coastal-central-florida-beeks/34985 "2023-06-03T16:11:40Z")
We installed our nuc last Saturday and I am looking forward to checking their progress this weekend. I would like to connect with others in my area for questions, suggestions, etc. I am trying to decide on 1 brood box o… --- ## [Adding a second broodbox](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/adding-a-second-broodbox/34832)
**Author:** [@Erin\_West](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Erin_West)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2023, 10:29pm UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/adding-a-second-broodbox/34832 "2023-05-09T22:29:19Z")
Hi Everyone, we are new and the Beek we bought our nuc from kind of confused me. He said in DFW area (North Texas), you absolutely have to have 2 brood boxes full and healthy before you add the super. My husband and I … --- ## [Partition between first and second brood box](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/partition-between-first-and-second-brood-box/15213)
**Author:** [@Evelina\_Colavita](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Evelina_Colavita)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2023, 6:08am UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/partition-between-first-and-second-brood-box/15213 "2023-02-09T06:08:04Z")
do I need a pratition between the lower and the upper brood box. Will they fix the second brood box on the first one, and also fix the frames of the second brood box on the frames of the first one. I am new on beekeeping… --- ## [Hive Configuration Principles - Columbia,Tennessee](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/hive-configuration-principles-columbia-tennessee/20906)
**Author:** [@DollarBill](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/DollarBill)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2023, 8:34pm UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/hive-configuration-principles-columbia-tennessee/20906 "2023-01-01T20:34:05Z")
Bee Friends, Is there a standard for Flow Hive Configuration? For example: A deep brood box that then expands by adding a medium super, which, when full, then Expands by adding the Flow Frame Super? I am installing o… --- ## [Using 2 deeps under flow hive](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/using-2-deeps-under-flow-hive/33256)
**Author:** [@BarbaraZ](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/BarbaraZ)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2022, 7:41am UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/using-2-deeps-under-flow-hive/33256 "2022-09-23T07:41:04Z")
I am new to beekeeping this year. I live in Missouri, USA. Most beekeepers here overwinter with 2 deeps so I decided to get 2 deeps 90 % full of brood, stores etc before I put the flow super on. I have quite a few bees w… --- ## [How to manage brood boxes next season](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/how-to-manage-brood-boxes-next-season/33205)
**Author:** [@rbgessner](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/rbgessner)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2022, 8:17am UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/how-to-manage-brood-boxes-next-season/33205 "2022-08-13T08:17:51Z")
I live in NE Ohio, so long cold winters. I have a Flow Hive. I have one brood box, then queen excluder, then Flow Hive. What is best practice after harvesting Flow Hive? Seems like one of two options. One is to simply r… --- ## [Adding a 2nd Brood Box, Kansas City, USA](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/adding-a-2nd-brood-box-kansas-city-usa/9635)
**Author:** [@Brick](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Brick)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2022, 3:12am UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/adding-a-2nd-brood-box-kansas-city-usa/9635 "2022-07-27T03:12:06Z")
I have just bought a new Flow Hive with plans to put it out and add bees in April. I am in Kansas City where it is currently 5 degrees F. I will eventually have 2 deep brood boxes and the Honeyflow super. The Honeyfl… --- ## [Adding a 3rd brood box below FLOW?](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/adding-a-3rd-brood-box-below-flow/21747)
**Author:** [@en2gen](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/en2gen)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2022, 12:18pm UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/adding-a-3rd-brood-box-below-flow/21747 "2022-04-28T12:18:23Z")
After wintering over in California, my strong hive with 2 deep brood boxes below my Flow Box tried to swarm last week. After circling around for about 10 minutes (and much to my relief) they came back to the mother hive!… --- ## [Winterizing in Northern California](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/winterizing-in-northern-california/31691)
**Author:** [@weberj](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/weberj)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2021, 1:07am UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/winterizing-in-northern-california/31691 "2021-10-18T01:07:31Z")
I am new and getting ready for my first winter. I have one brood box and one flow super. I have harvested 1 frame of honey. Do I harvest the remainder of the honey and just leave the brood box over winter. The hive w… --- ## [Moisture control](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/moisture-control/31497)
**Author:** [@Tom\_Frederick](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Tom_Frederick)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2021, 5:47pm UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/moisture-control/31497 "2021-09-23T17:47:50Z")
I am in Michigan, USA and it has been raining for 3 days. I went ou to check the bees and when I looked into the three windows of the Flow super I saw moisture condensing on the inside. It was also really hard to get t… --- ## [Downsizing from 2 brood box to 1](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/downsizing-from-2-brood-box-to-1/31457)
**Author:** [@Beefuji](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Beefuji)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2021, 4:42am UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/downsizing-from-2-brood-box-to-1/31457 "2021-09-21T04:42:51Z")
Hi there, I’ve been running my flowhive for 2nd years I’m enjoying so far and they so much more to learn. I have a 2-brood box hive from last season with a small backyard during the peak seasons the bees can get quite … --- ## [Brood Box: One or two?](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/brood-box-one-or-two/7235)
**Author:** [@Quiet1smile](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Quiet1smile)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2021, 9:52am UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/brood-box-one-or-two/7235 "2021-08-27T09:52:24Z")
The video shows one broad box with the flow frames on top but then I see many people put on a second broad box why ? and why not just stay with one ? --- ## [Strategy For Maintaining Only One brood box and Flow Super per Hive](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/strategy-for-maintaining-only-one-brood-box-and-flow-super-per-hive/5622)
**Author:** [@Chet\_Calhoun](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Chet_Calhoun)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2021, 4:00am UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/strategy-for-maintaining-only-one-brood-box-and-flow-super-per-hive/5622 "2021-06-02T04:00:48Z")
When I first looked into keeping bees using the Flow system I planned to only have two hives with one 8 frame honey super per hive but everything I read seems to indicate more honey supers and brood boxes will need to be… --- ## [Starting in June - San Jose CA](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/starting-in-june-san-jose-ca/30539)
**Author:** [@dorseyland](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/dorseyland)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2021, 11:18pm UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/starting-in-june-san-jose-ca/30539 "2021-05-31T23:18:44Z")
Hi All, I am new to beekeeping and just got my 6 frame Flow Hive 2. Since it’s later in the season, should i get 2 established colonies vs 2 nucs? I am ok to not get honey this year; more concerned they are strong enoug… --- ## [Honey Super for Winter](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/honey-super-for-winter/30262)
**Author:** [@marymichaline](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/marymichaline)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2021, 10:01am UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/honey-super-for-winter/30262 "2021-05-05T10:01:49Z")
I am new to beekeeping. In fact, I’m getting my first Nuc tomorrow. I have a mentor with a local Beekeeping Assoc., but they are not familiar with the flow system. They told me I might need a separate honey box for win… --- ## [One or two brood boxes..? Melbourne, Victoria, Australia](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/one-or-two-brood-boxes-melbourne-victoria-australia/9026)
**Author:** [@Gunners85](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Gunners85)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2021, 1:43pm UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/one-or-two-brood-boxes-melbourne-victoria-australia/9026 "2021-03-09T13:43:48Z")
Hi guys, looking for some advice again please… I’m from Melbourne Australia and about to go on a two month honeymoon… my first brood box is almost full and I’m just about to add the flow frames before I go and hoping the… --- ## [Split: Too late in season?](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/split-too-late-in-season/29411)
**Author:** [@AMC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/AMC)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2021, 11:44pm UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/split-too-late-in-season/29411 "2021-02-23T23:44:53Z")
Hi all, I’m located in Perth, Oz and it’s still very warm here and the Marri/Tuart flow is well underway. We can still expect a couple more months of pretty reasonable weather for the most part here. I’ve just gotten a… --- ## [Wonky Comb building](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/wonky-comb-building/28551)
**Author:** [@Lloyd\_Clarke](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Lloyd_Clarke)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2020, 9:21pm UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/wonky-comb-building/28551 "2020-12-03T21:21:44Z")
I just added my second brood box. I have just done an inspection and the bees are building comb bottom up in a foundation less frame. Obvious now they don’t use the frame guide in all situations. Should I let them contin… --- ## [On the Level with Hives](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/on-the-level-with-hives/28392)
**Author:** [@Lloyd\_Clarke](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Lloyd_Clarke)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2020, 1:58pm UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/on-the-level-with-hives/28392 "2020-11-17T13:58:32Z")
Hello Folks, I have just setup my first Flow Hive. I have just added my second brood box as this is what’s suggested here in southern Victoria. My question is the level of the hive while they draw comb. I am using found… --- ## [Should I add another brood box, or another super? Apparent pre-swarm behaviour](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/should-i-add-another-brood-box-or-another-super-apparent-pre-swarm-behaviour/13307)
**Author:** [@Chris\_Southwood](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Chris_Southwood)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2020, 8:32am UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/should-i-add-another-brood-box-or-another-super-apparent-pre-swarm-behaviour/13307 "2020-09-16T08:32:40Z")
Hello all. This spring/summer is my first honey flow (Sydney, Australia) and I need an opinion on what should be my next step. Our hive is absolutely booming, to the point that I’m not sure how to handle it! After a str… [Next page](https://forum.honeyflow.com/c/beekeeping-basics/how-many-brood-boxes/35.md?page=1)