North Carolina Bee School Practice Exam

What are the available sizes for brood boxes in beekeeping?

1. Small and Medium

2. Medium and Deep

3. Deep and Shallow

4. Only Deep

The correct answer is: Medium and Deep

In beekeeping, brood boxes serve as the main area where the queen bee lays eggs and where the larvae develop into adult bees. The correct answer identifies the sizes most commonly used for brood boxes: medium and deep. Deep boxes, often referred to as full-depth boxes, provide ample space for the queen to lay eggs and for the workforce to rear brood throughout the colony's active season. These boxes can hold a significant number of frames, allowing for larger populations within the hive, which is essential for effective foraging and honey production. Medium boxes, while slightly less deep than full-depth boxes, are still used for brood rearing, especially in certain management practices where beekeepers prefer lighter boxes for easier handling. They can also be used in combination with deep boxes, as beekeepers often choose their equipment based on their specific needs, hive management styles, and local conditions. Overall, both medium and deep boxes are practical options for brood production in beekeeping, allowing for versatility in hive management and facilitating the growth and health of bee colonies.