From: "huestis" <buzzybee@capital.net>
Date: Thu, 12 Apr 2001 10:46:11 -0700
To: <BiologicalBeekeeping@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: Re: foundation size

Hi Scott,

> build the comb and regress, then shake down onto 4.9mm strips later. Since I
> am now using what appears to be 4.9 for the first step, how will this impact
> the bees? Will they continue with the 4.9 "blueprint" or will the build
> larger comb that matches their present size. The bees that I will hive this
> weekend are Carniolan bees with Karnika queens.

reply:

The bees will most likely produce a variety of cell sizes(transition comb).
It mostly will depend on the cell size they were on. It will probably be
between 4.9 and 5.1 that they draw. Use starter strips the first round.
Measure the combs, if 5.0 on average use full sheets the second round to
speed things up. They should have no problem at that point. Save the
transition combs for the next colony(ies) then shake on full sheets(wired)
4.9mm. Repeat cycle as necessary. Next year split colonies if you desire
increase adding more 4.9 foundations.

Clay