Poly Hive
Queen Bee
- Joined
- Dec 4, 2008
- Messages
- 14,094
- Reaction score
- 395
- Location
- Scottish Borders
- Hive Type
- National
- Number of Hives
- 12 and 18 Nucs
I did a wee google on "replacing brood comb" and opened up, National Bee Unit FAQ 32.
Point 5 reads:
"Can I just replace the odd brood comb with foundation?
This is the most common system used by beekeepers and probably creates the most problems especially in single brood chamber management systems with the smaller types of hive. Foundation placed in a bottom brood chamber is invariably spoilt unless a powerful swarm with a good honey flow is drawing it out.
Foundation put into a bottom brood chamber is drawn out from the top downwards, as a result it becomes travel stained and covered in propolis. The bees then nibble the foundation away leaving holes between the comb and the bottom bars of the frame.
In double brood chamber systems the foundation can be put into the upper chamber so this problem does not occur.
I have never found it a problem to have foundation drawn out in single Nationals, Smiths, and or Langstroth. Whether poly or timber.
This statement in my experience, and I am talking thousands of sheets here, is just plain wrong.
What do you think?
As posted in the title if you have less than five years experience then please resist.
PH
Point 5 reads:
"Can I just replace the odd brood comb with foundation?
This is the most common system used by beekeepers and probably creates the most problems especially in single brood chamber management systems with the smaller types of hive. Foundation placed in a bottom brood chamber is invariably spoilt unless a powerful swarm with a good honey flow is drawing it out.
Foundation put into a bottom brood chamber is drawn out from the top downwards, as a result it becomes travel stained and covered in propolis. The bees then nibble the foundation away leaving holes between the comb and the bottom bars of the frame.
In double brood chamber systems the foundation can be put into the upper chamber so this problem does not occur.
I have never found it a problem to have foundation drawn out in single Nationals, Smiths, and or Langstroth. Whether poly or timber.
This statement in my experience, and I am talking thousands of sheets here, is just plain wrong.
What do you think?
As posted in the title if you have less than five years experience then please resist.
PH