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Subject:
From:
Allen Dick <[log in to unmask]>
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Date:
Mon, 6 Jan 1997 10:12:39 -0600
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> >I notice each fall that some few hives have failed to complete the
> >foundation, while others have done beautifully, regardless of the
> >position of the foundation.
 
I should clarify:  The foundation is always at least partially done,
but a few hives leave the lower corners or ends.  I suspect that
what has happened here is that the queen has been lost at the time
of manipulation, too many bees have drifted out if we moved things
around in the area, or swarming ocurred despite the transplant.
 
> My experience is that the comb is drawn almost immediately, in the
> center of the nest, and that the Queen uses it.  It is unusual for
> it to be used for honey storage.  However, I still wonder if I am
> holding back the Queen. This frame replacement occurs whenever we
> remove frames of brood so the colonies are always strong.  I am
> beginning to feel that foundation might be damaging and now I am
> beginning to wonder if an empty but drawn comb might also be
> damaging.
 
Well, I have felt that it is possible to divide the brood nest and
cause supercedure or brood chilling -- especially if many bees are
removed as well as brood, when much foundation is inserted.
 
I feel that empty brood combs usually are stimulative, since the
queen gets right to work and fills them.  I actually prefer combs
with some honey, and on occasion have inserted full combs of
granulation, since they remove it almost instantly. Sometimes we
alternate full brood combs and foundation or empty combs.  Pretty
tricky though.
 
But all this is a judgement call.  What is right today with this
colony is wrong today with another, and not at all suitable for a
neighbouring colony.
 
That's why I tell my guys to do things much more conservatively that
I would myself when it comes to inserting foundation.  Better to be
on the safe side.
Regards
 
Allen
 
W. Allen Dick, Beekeeper                                         VE6CFK
RR#1, Swalwell, Alberta  Canada T0M 1Y0
Internet:[log in to unmask] & [log in to unmask]
Honey. Bees, & Art <http://www.internode.net/~allend/>

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