--- [log in to unmask] wrote:
>
> OR~ being on combs of fresh wax.
>

Although fresh drawn combs do have an impact on colony
health in getting rid of diseased comb, I believe the
claims of 'great benefits to the colony derived from
new comb' are to the most part being wrongly credited.
 IMO, the benefits are not the result of the fresh
comb alone.  More likely the cause is, that
introducing foundation generally 'opens up the
broodnest'.  An unrestricted brood nest is essential
for a colony (Bro Adam).  Implementing routine
practice opening up the broodnest will result in the
same positive result, and save you $$$$.

In support of this, I can not recall ever removing a
mature feral colony that had set up a nest in an
'adequately sized void' to be restricted in the
broodnest in any way what so ever.  Equally impressive
besides the size of the nest, was the large amount of
empty comb available, and overall health of these
colonies.


=====
Joe Waggle ~ Organic Beekeeper,  Derry, PA
'Bees Gone Wild Apiaries'
"Using humane and holistic beekeeping methods"
~ Small Cell Beekeeper ~ No treatments since 2001
~ GO STEELERS!!!



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