New frames with foundation

[Machonachos]

Hi.

I have two new hives that are all built up ready to go and a full suite of frames with no foundation as I made them over the winter and it was easier to store foundation separately

My question is when should you install foundation, right before you use frame or go ahead and do it now? Probably looking to get bees at the end of the month.
What is the best way to store if that is the best option?

Thanks

 

[Karsal]

Hi.

I have two new hives that are all built up ready to go and a full suite of frames with no foundation as I made them over the winter and it was easier to store foundation separately

My question is when should you install foundation, right before you use frame or go ahead and do it now? Probably looking to get bees at the end of the month.
What is the best way to store if that is the best option?

Thanks

If your getting bees at the end of the month then I would assume that they will come in a nucleus hive and be on frames. If you get four frames with brood in all stages and bees then you should only need a few frames with foundation made up. Transferred into your full size hive you should just have a couple of empty frames with foundation for them to draw out. Dummy down the rest of the hive and as you inspect over the next few weeks with luck add more frames as required.
In short make up the frames with foundation as you need them.
I hope this helps you and good luck. Don't rush it and let the bees guide you as the colony grows.

 

[MerryBee]

foundation can go "stale" if its put in the hive before the bees are ready to use it, and then the bees will be reluctant to draw it.

Store your foundation in the plastic bag it came in, and only put it into frames when needed.

 

[Swarm]

Get some practice, make up a load of frames and you have them ready. The foundation doesn't go stale, I have frames I made up last year that will be used this season.
Get them drawn, comb is worth its weight.

 

[enrico]

Get some practice, make up a load of frames and you have them ready. The foundation doesn't go stale, I have frames I made up last year that will be used this season.
Get them drawn, comb is worth its weight.

When you make the frame up leave off the bottom rail opposite the detachable wiggly bit on the top frame. Then when you add the wax it is much easier and only takes two seconds to attach the bottom bar. I have loads of frames made up like that. Wax kept flat in a vermin proof box.
E

 

[Machonachos]

When you make the frame up leave off the bottom rail opposite the detachable wiggly bit on the top frame. Then when you add the wax it is much easier and only takes two seconds to attach the bottom bar. I have loads of frames made up like that. Wax kept flat in a vermin proof box.
E

Ahh great. That is exactly where I am now. All made up with one bottom rail off.

Think I will make up foundation frames a few days before collecting the nuc or if I catch a swarm then make frames up in a mad panic. Probably better that leaving them lying around for creatures to ruin.

 

[Poly Hive]

Actually foundation does go stale but over a period of years not weeks so there are elements here that are both right.

I have foundation that is over 20 years old and a quick waft over it with a hair dryer and the bees draw it happily.

PH