Worldwide Beekeeping
Beekeeping => General Beekeeping => Topic started by: barry42001 on March 24, 2014, 03:15:02 pm
-
while this is not an issue with these bees, on several occasions with the ones I've had previously, on plasticell, they drew comb off the top bar without attaching it to the foundation one sided comb, and drew it out all the way down to the bottom bar, finally attaching it to the foundation but it took months, the Queen did lay eggs in it. but there was that space between the back of the cmb and the foundation lol probably was good clustering space. but I would think ample proof for the bees really do not like plastic.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk
-
I've had that happen a few times. I decided to take out the foundation and toss it. If they don't like it, there is no sense in trying. I didn't put it in another hive. That might work. I'm slowly trying to phase out foundation so if I have to toss a few, then fine.
-
Space is the main thing. Using foundation-less frames makes you very aware of comb spacing at all times. If that wonky comb was next to a perfectly drawn comb they should draw it out correctly even on plastic.
I am rather merciless when it comes to drawing out comb. If they didnt do it right I re organize a little to make sure there are good comb on either side of the frame I want drawn so they have less room to make mistakes.
I actually have dozens of wired wax foundations that are really messed up because the wax warped when it got warm. It is usually easier to cut the wires, cut the wax toss the whole center and give them the frame back. They usually draw it nicely after that.
For plastic mishaps I use the hot knife my wife has for her candle business. It gets hotter than my decapping hot knives. I slide that thing along the edges of the comb, drop what remains back in and they usually get the hint and fix it.