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Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology

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Subject:
From:
Peter Borst <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Thu, 31 Aug 2023 20:23:37 -0400
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Speaking of top bar hives, the aforementioned author says:

>  Beekeepers designed the frame hive with foundation for honey production. The hive design may inadvertently suppress some bee behavior, particularly with comb construction.

The first part is not strictly true. Langstroth wanted a frame hive so he could manipulate the brood. Foundation's main purpose is to get nice even combs built in the frames, with minimal drones. Many of the early frame hives were fitted with upside down jars for the bees to fill. 

The second part:  it's hard to imagine what behavior is being suppressed here. Bees love to work, whether on a pattern or in an empty jar, why would it matter? If it's criss crossing comb their missing out on with foundation, they get plenty of chance to build crazy combs in the interstices.

PLB

thinking: Poor bee, forced to live in prefab houses and conform to strict rules of order. What if she dances to the beat of a different hum?
 

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