[Ross]

contrary to wacko human beliefs, God had good reason for having bees build honeycomb their way........

Believe what you want, foundationless work for me. My bees are healthy, they make honey, and it makes life easier. I run hives side by side with a beekeeper on foundation and I make more honey and have more hives survive. Oh, and foundationless frames get drawn faster than foundation, and way faster than plastic. Drone comb stores honey just fine.

 

[Ross]

Hasn't been an issue. I haven't treated a hive since I've been foundationless, probably 8-10 years. I'm on SBBs. That's it. I lose a hive to starvation occasionally when I don't pay attention, but mites haven't been a problem. I move drone comb to the outside or up to a super. The bees will find a way to make drones, foundation or not. And yes, this can be a religious issue for some. I would try it in a hive or two, give it a fair shot, and see what you think.

Oh, and what does Randy attribute the re-emergence of feral bees to? They haven't stopped making drones that I am aware of. The ferals around here seem to be doing quite well.

 

[Ross]

I attribute my success first to listening to Michael Bush when I was starting out. Second, I think putting nothing in the hive other than wooden frames is better for the bees. I think commercial foundation carries accumulated toxins from commercial beekeeping operations, I feed sugar or sugar syrup when necessary, but nothing else. SHB can be a problem in a really weak nuc, but not much else seems to bother them. This may not work for everyone and every location, but it works for me.

My bees are largely Italian, My first were decendents of Weaver bees. I capture swarms, breed a few queens of my own, and I have bought a very few queens. I have bought NWC that didn't last long but likely contributed some genetics, Minn. hygenics that do ok, and queens from Tincobee on this board.