First foundationless problem - Big Fat Comb and Honey Explosion

[Kristen2678]

On 6/25 I added a second brood box (deep) to the hive I installed on 5/12. (package on foundationless frames with wedges flipped). I did an inspection tonight. Most of it looks good. A little thick but mostly straight comb. A mix of brood in all stages and some drone comb. There were two frames with combs three inches thick. Obviously it was crossed to the next frame. I cut and pulled it apart the best I could. A honey explosion ensued. There was some brood lost, but not much. More dead and drowned bees than I would have liked. The comb was so thick I couldn't get the frames back in the box. I had to cut most of it free. The squished portions I put on the inner cover with a box over it. I took an 8x8 section to eat. I pulled the feeder off.

This is all the top box. I didn't even get into the bottom box. I had the hive open more than 30 minutes. I was covered in honey and the ladies were starting to get in under my veil.

So, where do I go from here? Check again in a week? Suggestions or comments for this newbee? Thoughts about adding a super? 7 of 10 frames were drawn out.

Thanks

[Tom B]

Foundationless is definitely a challenge. I have a few foundationless frames scattered in my honey supers, I do get some good comb sections from some of them, but others I get some of the same strange behavior you are seeing. When I get weird frames of honey, whether they are on foundation or not, I pull them out, do a crush and strain, and start over.

[Nantom670]

Seeing as how it was honey frames, if it were me I would have just pulled the two frames over to the outside and left them until they capped the two outsides and then I would have pulled them and crushed the combs and started over. Once they they gone that far, you know the rest and the outcome was worst than if you had left them alone. You must stay on top of the foundationless to make sure they draw them start to draw them straight and be sure to keep your frames tight together. I have never started with all foundationless frames, I alternate them and in the brood box I only use foundation. That is a personal choice all must make.

[Allen]

Just went through the same thing with several fat foundationless frames.
They were in between FL frames that were not drawn out.
I trimmed the offending parts over a big bowl, left the honey drain for a bit and then placed the frames back.
I'll just keep an eye on things and will trim again if needed.
Two frames had been stuck together. Comb from one frame looked great till one end veered under the next empty frame and they fastened it all together.
I removed both frames together and carefully cut the offending comb and pushed it back where it belongs.

That was the first honey I was able to harvest.
Trimming three corners on one Deep frame gave us a pint of liquid gooooooooold!

I would have left them in but there was no room in the 8 frame to slide them over.

Allen

[mmiller]

About 30% of my frames are foundationless. It isn't nearly as difficult as some think. If you want it perfect almost every time, place the foundationless frame in between 2 CAPPED frames. Doesn't matter if you are talking brood or honey frames. If you put it between capped frames they can't make it too fat.

Mike

[Kristen2678]

Thanks. This is a totally new hive and a totally new keeper. I didn't have any comb to start with. I did bring up a few frames when I added the second box. Those seem fine. Just the couple of honey combs that are a problem. I guess I'll check again soon and trim what I need to again in hopes of getting things a little easier to work with.

I happen to be going to a talk that Michael Bush is giving on Thursday. If fat comb doesn't come up, I'll ask.

[Kristen2678]

Seeing as how it was honey frames, if it were me I would have just pulled the two frames over to the outside and left them until they capped the two outsides and then I would have pulled them and crushed the combs and started over. Once they they gone that far, you know the rest and the outcome was worst than if you had left them alone. You must stay on top of the foundationless to make sure they draw them start to draw them straight and be sure to keep your frames tight together. I have never started with all foundationless frames, I alternate them and in the brood box I only use foundation. That is a personal choice all must make.

Nanton670 - Thanks. I see what you are saying now. Good advice. I will handle it this way next time.