Most people use the cell builder for a couple rounds them break it down into nucs or give it a queen. Repeat with another hive as required. At least that's what I generally do. I've tried adding additional brood frames, but I think they get confused/sad about not having a queen over time. You start getting the chance of laying workers or to many field bees. *shrugs*
At least that's my experience.
This year, I'm trying things a little differently. I'm doing similar to Michael Palmer, where I'm building what would be a swarming nirvana. Basically, I robbed out 8 frames of capped brood, 1 frame pollen, shook in 4-5 frames of nurses through an excluder then came back in 5-6 days and scraped every cell. I should be giving this builder grafts on Friday.
I'm curious to see how it goes, compared to my previous versions. I'll probably start 2-3 sets of cells, then break them down into mating nucs.
At least that's my experience.
This year, I'm trying things a little differently. I'm doing similar to Michael Palmer, where I'm building what would be a swarming nirvana. Basically, I robbed out 8 frames of capped brood, 1 frame pollen, shook in 4-5 frames of nurses through an excluder then came back in 5-6 days and scraped every cell. I should be giving this builder grafts on Friday.
I'm curious to see how it goes, compared to my previous versions. I'll probably start 2-3 sets of cells, then break them down into mating nucs.
