From: scott.novinger@airborne.com
Date: Mon, 07 May 2001 19:46:18 -0000
To: BiologicalBeekeeping@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: Regression Questions

Dee,

First off, thanks for the great feedback. It answered a lot of
questions. Secondly, no bee has been or will be unjustly slaughtered.
Thirdly, one problem that I have is that I have 7 viable colonies, 4
of which are my 49er experimental colonies. So, since you have
suggested to give the brood to "beef up" the strength of another
colony, I am perplexed as to where to put these bees. i.e. everyone
is doing well and building up rapidly and I don't have enough
equipment to take the path you've suggested. (looks like plywood and
finishing nails ahead)<wink>

My original plan was to shake each of the 49ers down into another hive
body that contains 49er starter strips. This being accomplished once
the bees have gone through two brood cycles in their original single
story configuration. In other words, I'd replace one hive body with
another, cull the combs from the original for making new foundation,
put new starter strips in the orginal hive body, and start the cycle
over again until I reach 4.9. I'm a little confused now because I
thought the objective was to obtain the right sized comb, even if this
means the bees might not make it through the winter. (but, I'd rather
they do). Also, I am very hesitant to just destroy good brood.
I couldn't envision at what point to cull the original comb because
new brood is emerging all of the time. Suggestions anyone?

Lastly, the 49er bees are real close to needing a second story. They
had their new home almost totally constructed within a week after
hiving.

Awesome little critters!

Thanks all!

Scott