new brood box

[david fox]

Hi Need some advice, I have a brand new poly jumbo brood box, how do I get the bees to draw the new foundation, before I use it ? thanks in advance

 

[fatshark]

Not sure I understand the question … surely if you get the bees to draw the foundation they will be using the box? The obvious approach to get the bees into the deep box is to do a Bailey comb change, putting the deep on the top and encouraging the bees to move up and draw comb by feeding syrup (unless you've got lots of early OSR perhaps).

 

[Heather]

Yep, unsure how someone with 5 hives asks this one??

New foundation + bees means feed 1:1 syrup to help them with the task.

Always a good step to start with new foundation for the bees,.. reduces disease opportunities.

 

[oliver90owner]

The only way, as I see it, would be to get the frames drawn in another box. Why you would want to do that, I am not sure, but there may be opportunities to do that if you have other boxes. As per Heather, I am unsure as to why you cannot map out your alternatives. It must be clear if you wish to avoid using that box initially. Two shallows and a small eke can equivalent to any 14 x 12 box.

 

[Norfolk]

Hi Need some advice, I have a brand new poly jumbo brood box, how do I get the bees to draw the new foundation, before I use it ? thanks in advance

Not enough of a description of what you are asking David.
Do you have bees on a different size of frame maybe ?

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Springtime shook swarm and a gallon of 2:1 (maybe even a blatt of OA to really get the mites down)

 

[Heather]

That is the path I would follow.. shake, feed, treat. Sorted

 

[david fox]

Thank you Norfolk, yes the bees are all on standard frames at the moment, would like the jumbo frames drawn and ready for when needed.

 

[Heather]

Strong colony + feed will have lots drawn for use very quickly. You can always stick an original one in amongst the new if same width. They will produce drone cells below. Useful.

 

[Hivemaker.]

yes the bees are all on standard frames at the moment, would like the jumbo frames drawn and ready for when needed.

Yes, get them drawn out before use.

 

[Arfermo]

Agree - just chuck 'em in the new box on new comb come the spring on a warmish day, feed a gallon or so of light syrup and let them get on with it. Make sure the queen goes in too otherwise you will be unhappy.

 

[david fox]

Heather

Hi Heather thanks for the advice.