super foundation/comb building

[Cuckmere couple]

what is the best way to get super foundation drawn

is there any advice anyone can give about best configuration of a super e.g. if you have a couple of boxes drawn and a couple undrawn

1. mix it up 50/50 and alternate frames
2. give whole box undrawn and whiole box drawn to diff colonies
3. doesn't matter or increase speed as depends on flow?

also, can swarms be used?

and finally...is there any difference for cut comb super frames....

thanks in advance - really appreciate being able to ask such questions

 

[Poly Hive]

Alternate the frames.

Swarms want to produce brood....

C/c is best produced in Manley frames. all my supers are Manley.

PH

 

[Murox]

I think comb drawing is one of the best uses for swarms as they are desperate to "build a new home", its also worth feeding that swarm with 1:1 syrup until they have drawn all the comb you want regardless of flow.

Only put one full super of foundation(cut comb sections) on a hive at one time, (best done early in season) the others needs to be drawn comb, otherwise there is nowhere to put nectar, it takes longer to build wax than collect nectar.

I wouldn't mix it 50/50 as you are likely to get some cross comb building and other oddities. You could put some foundation to the sides of the super with drawn comb in the centre.

 

[Poly Hive]

I have mixed for many years and never an issue.

My bees regularly draw out supers of CC. On Manleys note not Hoffmans with no issues.

PH