In a message dated 05/04/2008 23:11:09 GMT Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
Do you folks who have experience replacing all old combs
with foundation have any rules of thumb on feeding
to get new combs drawn?
1. Do it when oilseed rape is just starting to flower nearby (now in UK)
2. Do Bailey change using 1 central full sheet of foundation to act as a
bridge, but the remainder being starter strips.
3. Ensure hive is level.
4. When queen is laying in upper box insert QE between boxes.
5. Unless this is a breeder, remove lower box after 3 weeks, culling first
Varroa infested drone brood.
6. Don't feed sugar syrup unless it contains blue dye (there aren't many
blue foods!)
7. Super with drawn comb as soon as lower box (and QE) is removed so bees
have somewhere to put the nectar whilst continuing to draw brood comb for
laying.
Chris
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