I am curious as to the use of small cell foundation or full drawn small cell comb among beekeepers.
I would like to know what percentage of beekeepers are currently using small cell (4.9 mm or smaller) in either Foundation, Honey Super Cell, or Permacomb.
This poll will consider four phases in regard to small cell use, allowing for the use of drone frames for mite control or other purposes.
1. Those who use it exclusively, 2. Those who are working in that direction, 3. Those who are trying it on an experimental basis, and 4. Those who are not working in that direction at all.
[ December 13, 2006, 02:36 PM: Message edited by: Ron Young ]
Ron, maybe if you had included the words A Survey in the title, you would have more participants. Then again, there are those who don't like to participate in POlls or Surveys.
Oh well, those that do participate are much appreciated. I just thought that it would be interesting to know what percentage of beekeepers were going in that direction or had already done so. It seems now that the industry supply companies are still primarily aimed at the 5.4 stuff. Only a few are offering alternatives. I wonder if that will change when more and more people start in the small cell direction? After all the users of this forum are the ones that set a standard, and guide the market place!
Well, I figure that anyone thinking about it would indicate not now, and yet benefit from this poll. One may think about it for years waiting to see the result, thus being in the not working toward it at all selection.
I was actually just refering to the small cell products that give a uniform 4.9 mm or smaller. I know that natural cell can varry based on the generation of bee, how regressed they are, and what strain of bee they are just to name a few. I have a hive now that was a cut out and the comb was measured at 5.0. So I am really looking for the 4.9 or smaller stuff.
Getting into the natural cell is a whole seperate area of information, and quite frankly, I think my brain would overload on too much info at once.
Things seem to have died down on the poll.
So here is what transpired so far. 64 votes, as follows.
Currently using small cell exclusively. 19% (12)
Currently working toward small cell. 28% (18)
Trying small cell on an experimental basis. 11% (7)
Not working toward small cell at all. 42% (27)
[ December 18, 2006, 07:12 PM: Message edited by: Ron Young ]
Small cell foundation usage among beekeepers
Choose 1
Currently using small cell exclusively. 22% (17)
Currently working toward small cell. 31% (24)
Trying small cell on an experimental basis. 10% (8)
Not working toward small cell at all. 36% (28)
I am thinking of trying the small cell approach, now that I have read all these posts. I am thinking I'll buy some small cell foundation and the bees I get from the trees, I'll put them on it and see how it goes. Sounds fascinating.
Poll Results: Small cell foundation usage among beekeepers (84 votes.)
Small cell foundation usage among beekeepers
Choose 1
Currently using small cell exclusively. 20% (17)
Currently working toward small cell. 33% (28)
Trying small cell on an experimental basis. 12% (10)
Not working toward small cell at all. 35% (29)
I am working towards small cell. I did buy a 4.9 mill this last fall to make my own foundation. Making the foundation this last winter was a good way to keep warm and stay busy!
can you give us any info on how the bees handle the stuff
in my little dreamworld the SC foundation would force the bees to draw SC comb correctly since it would be difficult for them to rework the base of the cells, but I have no experience to support my dream
I'm interested in the idea of small cell foundation but if I am going to make enquiries here in the UK I think I need to know whether the 4.9mm (or less) is measured across the flats or the corners. It might sound a silly question but I know I will be asked when I enquire. So if any one could tell me I would appreciate it.
I did not respond to the poll because it failed to have the area i plan to pursue. I plan to use small cell, center brood nest.
I would have checked: SC alternative use.
I placed the small cell plastic/frame, foundayion news in the general beekeeping area. If you are seeking small cell foundation, or have some comment upon your own experience with this product mentioned, please add it there.
I will say that i did not regress the nucs i started. I did not know i was using small cell foundation, the bees didn't know and thus we went down the trail of comb building in blissfull ignorance. As i add packages this spring they too will be on this product, so we shall see if my knowing slows down the bees in question.
<flathead, are the sc plastic frames in your partner's hives mediums or deeps? Thanks>
They are deeps but he has 350 of the medium frames in storage also. Soon as I can get over there we will measure them too.
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