Another foundationless question

[BuzzyBee]

I have two hives going into their second year with comb drawn out on plastic foundation. I don't have an extractor and was wondering if the bees draw out better on foundationless honey supers if they already have drawn out comb right in the hive bodies below. I have frames ready to go both with and without foundation. I can always try and if they mess it up, start over with another strategy.

Thanks for the help.

BB

[Ross]

If your hive body is the same as your super, move one drawn frame up in the center and make the rest foundationless. If you can't do that, then all foundationless will work, or use one foundation in the center and the rest foundationless. Yes, it helps if the bottom box is already drawn.

[Ruben]

I have had problems getting them to draw supers out that I did not put foundation in, however it has been June or later when I have tried. If it were during a major flow they may draw it just fine.

[Michael Bush]

As Ross said, I usually move a drawn comb from below up for a ladder and put an empty in it's place.

[BuzzyBee]

Thanks Ross and Ruben,

I think I'll try and see if the girls will draw their own. If it doesn't work, I'll give them some foundation.

Ruben,

Looking at your pics, looks like your girls are drawing pretty well! :) Sure do like that pure white wax.

BB

[BuzzyBee]

Michael,

I wasn't as smart as you and Ross and started with deeps for hive bodies, so no foundation to move up. I'm going into my second year and I'm not worried about having enough honey this year. Actually the opposite, I'm worried about having too much since I don't have an extractor! If I don't harm the bees, I'm willing to experiment and if they mess everything up, I'll just take it out and give them foundation and try again next year with no foundation. I appreciate your and everyones help. :thumbsup:

BB

[Michael Bush]

You can still move one of the mediums (or shallows) out and put one of the deeps in the slot over where it came from. This will cause it to stick down into the deep and provide a ladder. When they are working the medium (or shallow) well, then cut the comb off the bottom of that deep frame and tie it into a medium (or shallow).

[BuzzyBee]

Great idea! I'll try it and give an update.

My Grandpa would have liked you. He used to tell me, "There is more than one way to get to town. If the road is blocked, find another path."

Thanks again,

BB