Malcom writes: 1. If you were to counsel those beginning from "scratch," in a region where the bees and people have been devastated by conflict, how much would you suggest relying on local "survivor" bees? How long could or would you recommend waiting for an industry based on such a stock to develop? Reply: I would rely on local "survivor" stock as much as possible. If feral colonies are available it would not take that long to redevelop an industry with many hands ketching bees and hiving them on swarm ketching frames, then putting small cell foundation around them, and working them up. Malcom writes: 3. In rural villages with established populations of bees in traditional hives made of narrow woven baskets covered with wood ash as a wattle, would you recommend immediate transfer to Langstroth moveable-frame hives and elimination of the traditional hives as is currently proposed? Reply: Not necessarily. Malcom continues: If not, what would you recommend with reference to developing sustainable and appropriate beekeeping in this setting? Reply: Have them also ketch fresh ferals from the field and mount them onto swarm ketching frames, surround with natural small cell foundation, work hives up and then compare, side by side. Then let them make the change if they want too! Respectfully Submitted, Dee A. Lusby Commercial Small Cell Beekeeper Moyza, Arizona http://groups.yahoo.com/group/organicbeekeepers/ __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::