Hi,
I bought a nucleus recently, and they have been in one (8 frame) box about two weeks now. I took a peek once and saw some eggs in the nuc frames, many cells were capped (brown), and the bees were beginning to make comb on the outer, newer frames. I noticed that the combs they came on were old looking, the wax corners were gone on some of the ends and they just looked ratty. Given that I don't want to mess with them in the new box, and I haven't read anything so far about the best season/time for changing old frames, I thought I would pose the questions here. Is there a best time or season, do you do it one at a time, is it better to have another box on top of this one to swap them? Any advice will be helpful, and I will happily read any suggested literature, links or blogs that are suggested.
My Thanks.
Yes, they need to be replaced. No, not now......
Wait until you have two or more full boxes and then do it piecemeal. An update on the hive from time to time will tell when and how it should be done.
They all turn black in a very short time. I wouldn't even worry about it. If you use chemicals, the issue is really the build up of chemicals.
Thank you, gentlemen. The nuc (frames) came from a large company, so I wouldn't be surprised if they used chemicals on them at some point. I am hopeful that the colony will grow without too much intervention.
Quotewithout too much intervention
That's my philosophy personally. Don't screw with them all the time. It's good if you are just starting out and learning the ropes though.
When it comes to changing out old comb, I like to number my frames 1-2-1-2-1-2 ect. One year I will swap out all the 1s and let them rebuild those, the following year I'll do the 2s and let them rebuild those and cycle it like that. I use tongue depressors and allow for foundationless/natural (whatever you want to call it) combs and they build back up pretty quickly. My wife will eventually make candles out of the wax I collect from the old comb.
That old comb is good for swarm traps if you choose to try catching swarms.