> I have always found that the absolute best time to get good comb
> drawn was in the middel of a strong nectar flow.  While one can get
> some comb drawn by heavy feeding in the absence of a nectar flow,
> the result has almost never struck me as worth the effort (you get a
> lot of cross comb).  Accordingly, I always get my new frames drawn
> out during a nectar flow.   True, you will lose some potential crop,
> but you gan the drawn comb for future use.
 
If you keep to 10% new combs or less, I am not sure you do lose
potential crop.
 
It depends on the flow.  Sometimes -- even producing comb honey -- hives
seemed to produce as much comb as extracted honey.  Other times,
definitely not.
 
It all depends on the flow rate and the condition of the bees.
 
Comb production is sure more efficient during flows!
 
Regards
 
Allen
 
W. Allen Dick, Beekeeper                                         VE6CFK
RR#1, Swalwell, Alberta  Canada T0M 1Y0
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