Bee removal onto small cell

[R.L. Bee]

I plan on removing bees from an old playhouse Since these bees are already using natural cell I thought it would be a good time to give it a try. Do I need to add starter strips or order small cell foundation for the frames I dont use to put the cutouts in .If I use starter strips what kind of foundation do I use and what size strips.Also if I use small cell is there any reduction in the amount of honey that the bees produce because of there smaller size.

[DANIEL QUINCE]

My understanding is that the starter strips are about 1". Since this is supposed to be an established colony, the cut-outs and starter strips should be sufficient, but I never did it myself. When it comes to honey, more or less is irrelevant considering the health advantages of the small cell.

[Michael Bush]

>Do I need to add starter strips or order small cell foundation for the frames I dont use to put the cutouts in.

That or make comb guides.

>If I use starter strips what kind of foundation do I use and what size strips.

I make mine about 3/4" or at most 1". Some people make them larger.

>Also if I use small cell is there any reduction in the amount of honey that the bees produce because of there smaller size.

No. More likely an increase because of better areodynamics, a larger foraging area and generally better health. But all in all, about the same as a healthy large cell hive.

[R.L. Bee]

First of all thanks for the help! Can I use the thinner cut comb foundation for starter strips or do I need the thicker foundation.Also what are comb guides.I know they are to keep the comb straight in the frame but how are they made.

[wayacoyote]

RL
You can use cut comb foundation if that's what you have. I wouldn't order foundation for starter strips if I have foundation that isn't going to be used otherwise. Start by sliding one in between the 2 prettiest combs you cutout, preferably emerging brood or any other brood (they have a tendency to build out the comb holding honey on the existing combs thus imposing on the comb drawn on the starter strip). Also, putting them between emerging bees is reported to help them keep the cells smaller. If placed outside the broodnest, they may build larger storage cells instead of the smaller cells.

I use 3/4 in like Michael. I want it to hang down appreciably from the top bar to have the most effect. But there is a point of deminished returns, so I've heard. This is the point when the starter strip is TOO much and they start the new comb on its lowest edge. Thus, the comb isn't attacted directly to the top bar and falls under the weight of bees, brood, and stores. 3/4 to 1 inch should be fine.

A comb guide, as I use them, are boards that mimic the face of a drawn comb. This sets the bee space helping them to keep the new comb centered. I'm lazy, so I staple a sheet of masonite, paneling, or cereal carton to the side of an empty frame. This frame "follows" the side of the hive as it expands. I learned this from Top Bar Hive keepers.

However, if you already have the cut-out comb and it is framed well, you are in business.

One other thing, I've saved some sagging comb by using the push-in pins. Michael told me about using bobby pins to hold foundation. I would still tie the cut-out comb to a frame, but I bet pushing a few bobby pins in would make things even more stable. (I'm too clutzy to tie comb.)

Report back on how it goes. I got a call today to cut a hive out of a chimney. After pushing on the chimney and watching it sway, I said, "no thanks."

Waya