> > I put on an additional deep with new foundation on each > > hive this spring. Would the action of drawing comb on new > > foundation actually slow the rate at which honey is stored? > The answer to your question is - most definitely. Any nectar > gathering is going to have to be used for wax production before any > can be stored and made into honey. Obviously, this is a blanket > statement. They will store some nectar, but they will be limited on > what they can store until they pull the cells out. To add to this: A lot will depend on the flow, the position in the hive of the foundation and the amount of other empty comb available to the bees. Moreover the hive temperature, how well sealed the hive is, and population demographics of the hive will have an effect as well. In *some* cases, drawing a large amount of foundation may have no apparent effect on production. For foundation to be drawn quickly and economically, it must be in a warm, dark place that is occupied by well fed young bees and a logical position for extending the nest. Placing entire supers of new wax on a hive is generally frowned upon, but may work well if the flow is strong and steady, and the population is large and willing. Some hives will draw foundation limitlessly, but others will show much less interest. Placing a few drawn combs or a comb of brood (judiciously) can attract bees to the foundation. Generally a position directly above the brood nest is best. Excluders can (but not necessarily will) discourage bees from foundation. Since we are talking about bees here, we have to keep in mind what Winnie the Pooh said about them. 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/>