Keith said:
So a cluster of a given size or weight will have the same number of
individuals no matter whether the bees were born on large cell
or small cell?

I imagine there would be a greater amount of bees in a 3 lb. by weight
package of small cell bees. Research by Dr. Jaycox found a bee could be
downsized by up to 17% (and also enlarged by up to 17%) from the widely
accepted normal size for a honey bee.

> Commercial beekeepers do
> things to increase hive population.

What?

many things such as combine hives, add brood, use two queens , feed both
pollen & honey etc.

 In China they requeen a hive going into a certain floral source with a
queen/race   which does the best job of honey getting (told on China
beekeeping tour).

>  A strong hive is the key. Not a smaller size bee.
>

Keith said:
. I do use small cells and a cluster of a given size
of small cells, from what I understand, will produce more bees per square
inch than bees on larger cells.

Aaron explained my position very clearly. Thanks Aaron as we are on the same
page!


Bob, What is your hands on experience with small cell beekeeping?

Very small scale. I was the first ( I believe) to name comb which is between
the size used normally and 4.9mm as *transition comb*.

When the Lusby's first came on the scene pushing the small cell size (was
not 4.9mm at first) and discussion was taking place I saw the 4.9ers needed
a word to explain the change.

I looked up many words in the dictionary but settled on *transition* which
is now commonly used on small cell web sites.

" transition:
"1. the act or state of passing from one place , condition, or action to
another: change."

I have yet to see the results worth the labor/cost with small cell but keep
an open mind.

Bob

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