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Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology

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Subject:
From:
Allen Dick <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sun, 7 Jan 2001 08:13:07 -0700
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> David Green said it but Allen Dick sounded like he
> didn't understand David exactly.

Sorry, maybe I should explain.  I did understand Dave, but like the idea of
saving and using some or all of the original comb.  Even if a beekeeper is
following Dave's advice, having a frame or two like the one I recommended along
could save some beautiful comb should it turn out that the bees are on big flat
combs.

I actually would seldom use the method under discussion for several reasons,
listed below.

* Up here in the Great White North the bees may cluster at night.  Moreover, we
have a short season; after removing bees, there is not always a lot of time for
the bees to set up a new brood nest before frost.

* Around here, cut-out brood comb must be arranged in a compact configuration so
that the bees can cover it and keep it warm. If they are trying to cover brood
up top and also start new brood below, they may make a choice and leave one or
the other.

* Often the natural comb that the bees are on is very nice and flat.  Simply
trimming it to fit into a frame can salvage it.

* Moreover when comb is full of brood, it can be hard to support.  Much of it
can be wasted if it is not supported in a way that the comb is not distorted and
also in a way that ensures the new bees can emerge.

* I also prefer to make up a normal hive in preference to having to return a
time or two to tinker, so I suppose it is a matter of taste and locale.  Having
several options at hand can be nice.

Placing combs into frames is a technique that has its place.  It can be a
frustrating job, though and Barry's design seems ideal.

As a note of interest, I've visited Dave and gone to yards with him.  We
correspond from time-to-time and we are constantly amazed at how different
beekeeping is in our two regions.  And how it is the same.

allen
http://www.internode.net/HoneyBee/diary/

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