I know that it is usual for bees to draw foundation early in the season but there is a good heather flow currently and I need super foundation drawn for next year. Is it feasible to try at this time of year? Tips appreciated.
alan
alan
I would ask if they are still bringing it in
there is a good heather flow currently
If they draw it and fill it you will have to leave it on for winter food as extraction is not very efficient unless you press it which destroys the comb.
Heather honey does not have to be left on as winter food... or the combs crushed to obtain the honey. If you wish to keep the combs, it can be efficiently extracted using the right equipment, cheap equipment for small scale (just a few supers) or more expensive equipment for large scale use if it is one of the main products produced.
Hi Alan,
Beeks taking colonies to the heather often will let them draw fresh unwired comb as a lot is sold as comb honey. If they draw it and fill it you will have to leave it on for winter food as extraction is not very efficient unless you press it which destroys the comb. As Finman says it is too valuable a crop for the bees to winter on, but that presupposes that you have an outlet as it is an acquired taste. A bit late in the year to go to the Heather? I would ask if they are still bringing it in before going through the move.
Heather honey does not have to be left on as winter food... or the combs crushed to obtain the honey. If you wish to keep the combs, it can be efficiently extracted using the right equipment, cheap equipment for small scale (just a few supers) or more expensive equipment for large scale use if it is one of the main products produced.
What cheap equipment for small scale Hivemaker, and how much is cheap and where can we get it.
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