Bailey change confusion???

[itma]

i would move the nat frame to the side, i would just drop it back into the national, below the QE once i have the queen on the comercials Remove all the nat box at three weeks but keep feeding until commercial frames are drawn

I think you meant to put a 'NOT' in there - as in "not move it to the side, just drop it back in the lower box" (once its job is done).

I'm not disagreeing, just as long as Q is up top and there is some comb drawn up there.
Important thing is that you are going along with the idea of moving a 'wrong' frame or two up into the commercial box for a short time.

 

[Tomo]

Did my first full inspection today as temp was about 15 degrees C.
Lots of bees at the entrance with lots of pollen coming in.
Plenty of capped worker brood and alittle drone brood, no QC's plenty of food.
They have started to draw out the foundation in my Commercial BB, about three double sided half combs, bees very busy.
Did not spot the Queen or eggs but that is more down to ineptitude, brood at all other stages present. She may have checked her lay what with the cold snap last week. I will have a more thorough look next week.
I did clean the brown syrup out of the feeder and put in white sugar 1:1 just to help them draw out the combs.
All is well.

 

[Tomo]

Stage two Bailey.

Did an inspection today, found and marked the queen. Put her back onto her frame which is in the commercial BB (above the National) and put a QE between the two BB's. Took the miller feeder off as they had emptied it and the OSR is in full flow here with lots of nectar and pollen coming in.
Next week would it be a good idea to block the lower entrance and open another under the Commercial BB with 6mm batten? Bearing in mind the FERA Bailey article and the fact that the bees will store pollen in the national if I leave the bottom entrance open?
Thanks.

 

[itma]

The mid entrance is the proper way to do it.

A simple thing might be to use an 'Apiguard' eke with say 3x 12mm holes drilled in one side as the entrance. Such holes can be plugged later when the eke is used for other purposes. Much easier than dealing with loose laths.

However, I wish it was that easy to get frames well-filled with pollen! Such things are wanted for Q rearing ...

 

[Tomo]

I could always pick the pollen out with tweesers and send it to you in an envelope.......!

 

[Tomo]

Final update. Bailey comb change success. Removed bottom box yesterday. Shook and brushed bees from combs. All done. Easy really and very effective, but not quick. Thanks for everyone's help.