[paddab]

Hi, I am a new beekeeper and have a question about a new 8 frame hive that was started with new foundation that a new package was installed 5 days ago, we noticed yesterday that the foundation is missing on some of the frames along the edges and we are not sure why? Also there seems to be one frame with what seems to be double comb with tunnels thru it? Is this normal, they are bringing in pollen and the queen has been released but we did not see her or any eggs,larve. We have had some rain the last few day following the install so maybe things are just delayed. Any thoughts,thanks

 

[Vance G]

Sounds like some of your foundation may have fallen out or been damaged. This is why the wax coated plastic sheets of foundation are such good choices. Such failures are impossible if the frame is put together right. The double comb is not normal and needs fixed but maybe not right now as a lot of your brood is probably in that weak structure. Concentrate on getting the rest of your comb drawn following the sheet of foundation in each frame. After that is done, move the double to the outside and when it is free of brood you can fix it or turn it in to honey and wax and start over with another sheet of foundation. Push all your frames as tight together as you can get them. If 9 frames will fit in your 8 frame equipment that helps to get comb drawn correctly and uniformly.

 

[JRG13]

The bees chew out the edges on occasion to use the wax as cappings etc... and so they can move 'through' frames.