Hive numbers often begin simply: Hive 1, Hive 2, Hive 3. Complexity arrives when a colony is split, a queen is moved into a nuc, boxes change position or colonies are united. If the number describes only the wooden box, the biological history can easily become disconnected.
Treat the colony identity as separate from the equipment. When you create a split, give the new colony a unique identity and link it back to its parent. When colonies unite, record both source histories and identify which colony identity continues.
Make identifiers permanent
Avoid reusing an old identifier for an unrelated colony. Permanent identities make graphs, queen lineage, treatment history and future transfers much clearer. This is one of the ideas behind HiveIQ Passport.