Small Cells

[drone1952]

Hi All,
Here I’m again. I’m telling you my plan. I want to buy small cells foundation. I’ll buy 10 foundations enough for one hive body. The problem is that I don’t If the bees will build small cells in the supers foundationless or put this in this way: if the bees will start building small cells they will keep doing this?
Sorry for my foolish question, perhaps I did not read enough.
Thanks
George

[naturebee]

That is a very good question!

Basically, bees hatched in small cells will tend to build cells a bit smaller. But to get them to size may take two years. It is best encourage them to build small cells (do this by adding small cell foundation).

The bees, may tend to build larger cells in the supers, and foundationless frames, as they will naturally build larger cells for the purpose of honey storage, and smaller for brood usage. Therefore, it is necessary to use a queen excluder to keep your queen from laying in these larger cells that may be constructed in the supers.

Best Wishes,
Joe