Small cell (&/or foundationless) small bees experiences?

[bjosephd]

Unfortunately you're unlikely to get long-term funding for such a project. Also my cubit is different from your cubit and that is how bees build comb - the measurements they use are from their own bodies, which us beekeepers have controlled for over a hundred years, so it will take a while (without interventions) to get back to that.

 

[midnight sun]

What was the problem to be solved?

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Hi Finman
There wasn't a problem to solve as such. I was just curious as to whether the cells got too small eventually due to 'layering' of silk after every occupancy. Between you, JBM, Hivemaker and Mike (and Dave Cushman) I thought we came to the conclusion that replacing 3 year old comb with foundation, was without foundation. (sorry couldn't resist?) That the bees will recycle the cells by 'reaming' out the cell and pressing silk into the wax cell wall to make space and that the cell is made from many layers as you said, but the bees will tear them down when the cell needs to be torn down in their judgment.
I hope that answers your question. Regards Dave

 

[Finman]

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Actually small cell is connected to varroa. To renew old combs should not have any strange things. It is very easy.

Comb building of bees has no mystery. IT has been researched very well during decades.

Natural beekeepers have their own truths and they do not give up from their own facts.