Foundation - how much to buy in first year?

[herefordshirehoney]

Might seem silly but wanted to make sure I get it right.

I've ordered two nuc's that should be ready june, so far i've made most of the frames up but havent ordered any foundation. I'm thinking of placing an order with K * S as ive been told its good stuff. How many will I need for two hive's my thinking is:

3x langstroth brood wired
3x dandant shallow wired
1x dandant shallow cut comb

As it's a poly hive its only ten frames - does my logic seem to good and enough to get started? I'm not sure how many frames the nucs will be on. Bear in mind I dont have any other foundation drawn as this is will be my first year, it's also hard to tell if i'll get any supers this year hence wanted to make sure i got some but not too much incase its not used.

Also didnt want to buy too much as not sure on storing it yet (need to hit search on the forum as i know that's been covered before).

Thanks,
Chris

 

[oliver90owner]

How long is a piece of string?!

Enough brood if they come on fresh comb, I would think, and are not too prolific. If you need to go double brood (who knows what we are in store for, weather-wise), not enough.

I would get more than enough shallow if sticking to single brood - extracting bits to keep ahead of the bees can be a pain.

Your thin, for cut comb is possibly a bit optimistic, the thin does not store so well (fragile), so I would get some extra wired. If making cut comb the frames really need to be filled and capped and can't so easily be extracted, so I wouldbe mindful of that and, of course they are effectively 'use once only'.

Depends on how you are intending to over-winter. Single brood box, I would think; but if left with a super over....

If you are able to get some spare comb drawn (and even filled with stores) for spring it is a good reserve and can help to get them going early next year. Minimal stores and feeding fondant in the winter is not my style.

Just remember there are delivery costs on each order and it may be better to get too much than too little.

Sealed packets of foundation will not deteriorate very quickly if stored under satisfactory conditions, so it can keep for years.

Not the definitive answers but perhaps some thoughts for you to refine your order.

RAB

 

[jackbee]

I'm thinking of placing an order with K * S as ive been told its good stuff. How many will I need for two hive's my thinking is:

K*S - who is that?

isn't all this having to asterisk out names and not having links all a bit silly. Aren't we adults (well, majority act as such ) and can decide what to follow and what to ignore. I'm sure this debate is not new, and don't want to hijack this thread, just find it slightly annoying

 

[herefordshirehoney]

kemble =)

 

[Poly Hive]

KBS is Peter Kemble Bee Supplies and over many years I have found his foundation and service excellent.

As for how much to buy, it does keep, I am currently having 10 year old Kemble Langstroth drawn out no bother in this rubbish weather so I think that speaks volumes.

Buy enough plus an extra packet to allow for the odd misfortune, hammer through sheet comes to mind...

Good luck with your nucs.

PH

 

[SimonB]

hammer through sheet comes to mind...

or thumb...

 

[jackbee]

Thank you both for decoding KBS

 

[Shabro]

I've found this year to keep one more sealed pack of foundation than I actually need, as with all things you need more than you plan for, then when I break into that one I pick another up straight away.

 

[psafloyd]

I've found this year to keep one more sealed pack of foundation than I actually need, as with all things you need more than you plan for, then when I break into that one I pick another up straight away.

I found in my first year that when I did that I still needed more. Twice.

 

[YorkshireBees]

I'm with PH, kept in a dark / cool / dry place sealed in plastic it seems to keep no problems.

I personally generally buy in bulk for discount, so always have a stock!