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Subject:
From:
"Kerry Clark 784-2225 fax (604) 784 2299" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Discussion of Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Mon, 21 Mar 1994 08:01:00 -0800
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Jean-Pierre
I have some slightly flimsy information on the Pierco frame/foundations. I tried
some 10 or so years ago, and inspected a few hundred boxes of the frames used by
other beekeepers.
 
On the positive side: a well drawn Pierco frame is a valuable item; it's very
strong, the cells are uniform and nearly always worker size. Because of the
absence of wood frames, the comb area is significantly larger (I forget the
details, you could measure, but my impression was an extra 5 - 10 %, a "bonus"
comb in each hive). It doesn't take any labour to put together, and all the
frames are uniform.
I don't have much experience with their re-use after the first cells are
sraped off for whatever reason, I'd think it's significant for honey combs ( and
a layer of wax and honey is left), but brood frames sometimes get polished by
the bees, and the surface doesn't get re-drawn.
(It's not something to plan for maybe, but a bear found the Pierco frames less
desireable than wax; some of the plastic foundation were actually still useable
after the bear had chewed off the comb,)
 
On the negative side: I found the sharper edges of the frame ends, less
comfortable than wood to handle after a while (they never smooth off);
        Bees seemed to build more "ladder" comb between the plastic frames,
perhaps because of the lack of a wood frame barrier, or perhaps because of a
shortage of opportunity to build drone comb. Some of this impression came from
an earlier version of the frame, maybe the newer one is better. (It might be an
idea to provide special frames for drone comb, to focus the colony's drone
tendencies. Some might work this into a Varroa trap comb technique)
        I haven't given this a proper test, but was left with the impression
that the frames are less accepted by bees than are wax foundations. It was Ok
when the bees didn't have any choice and conditions were great ( eg a swarm) but
new Pierco frames added to an existing colony in spring were often ignored, even
when syrup was fed.
        The plastic frame top bar is not as strong or  rigid side-to-side, so
you may have to change your practice to loosen frames (the Maxant hive tool
works nicely, but you have to be careful or you can damage the top of the frame
ear.)
 
All in all the frames seemed competant. Each operation would have to do its own
economic analysis (one large operator said the plastic frames were less
expensive than hiring someone to build wood ones, but there was an advantage to
keep good help employed through winter, so he chose the wood).
 
There is also the "plastic" vs "hand-crafted wood" consideration which will
differ between people.
 
Regards
Kerry

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