What kind of foundation do most use for the brood chamber?
I know that some beeks are foundationless but I've never thought about the "proper" type of foundation to use for brood.
Thoughts?
I use Plasticel or Medium Brood wax. I've just started my nucs of smaller (and grouchier) bees on foundationless, using 2" strips of medium brood....hopefully it doesn't become a cross comb mess, I will be checking on their progress this weekend.
If you aren't sure about where you'll end up foundation-wise, use wax foundation. It will be easier to switch to foundationless if you decide to go that way. You won't waste plastic and will be more environmental.
The bees will build comb in a nectar flow whether you give them plastic, wax or popsicle sticks! :-D
Note: Although I learned tonight from studying for the upcoming Young Harris test, that bees won't build comb even in a nectar flow if they are in bright light or if the hive is queenless.
Linda T in Atlanta
Usually I use no foundation. The rest of the time, lately, I've been using PF120s from Mann Lake (4.95 cell size plastic frames). Most people seem to use 5.4mm plastic (it usually doesn't say what the size is, but that is what it is) or 5.4mm wax foundation.
http://www.bushfarms.com/beesnaturalcell.htm#foundationtoday (http://www.bushfarms.com/beesnaturalcell.htm#foundationtoday)