Folks, I am expecting to receive two 5-frame nucs of Carniolans in April and want to begin regressing their cell size immediately. Unfortunately, I only learned about small cell theory after I placed my orders for the nucs and the foundation, which, if course, is large-cell.
I'm planning on placing frames with starter strips of foundation between the five nuc frames and allowing the bees to build their own comb. Do I need to order some small-cell foundation for the starter strips, or will the large-cell suffice? I'm wondering if there would be a significant difference in cell size on frames with small-cell starter strips vs. large-cell starter strips? I realize I'm likely to get, at best, 5.1mm cells in the brood core with this first regression in any case.
The other option I'm considering would be whittling down the frame thickness down to 1.25" and supplying totally empty frames with a beveled top bar, but I'm not sure how to make such a top bar out of the wedge top bar frames I already have! Any suggestions?
Many thanks for your suggestions.
I'm planning on placing frames with starter strips of foundation between the five nuc frames and allowing the bees to build their own comb. Do I need to order some small-cell foundation for the starter strips, or will the large-cell suffice? I'm wondering if there would be a significant difference in cell size on frames with small-cell starter strips vs. large-cell starter strips? I realize I'm likely to get, at best, 5.1mm cells in the brood core with this first regression in any case.
The other option I'm considering would be whittling down the frame thickness down to 1.25" and supplying totally empty frames with a beveled top bar, but I'm not sure how to make such a top bar out of the wedge top bar frames I already have! Any suggestions?
Many thanks for your suggestions.