captured a big swarm that would not fit in a single deep so I had to add another at time of capture. only problem all frames where on drawned plastic foundation. will that be a problem?
no
why would you think it might be a problem?
wish i had that problem :-D
I was concerned about the bees not making comb to fill the twenty un drawn frames
Thought you posted that they were drawn out? :idunno:
As long as you have a flow of some kind they will draw them out fine.
I see now he had a type-o. He said " on drawn " not undrawn
As my MI colleagues say; not really a problem. Actually the undrawn frames will give the swarm more room since there is more space between undrawn frames than drawn ones. When dumping swarms into nucs, sometimes I'll put a second box of undrawn frames on top of the first (usually with drawn comb + 1 frame of brood) for that reason. It gives them a lot more space to scamper into when dumped into the box and swarms build comb fast.
The only potential problem I see in your case is convincing your big swarm to stay in a box with nothing but undrawn frames. A frame of brood really helps in keeping them from leaving for greener pastures.
Frame of open brood, gives the nurse bees something to do and resources to make a queen if needed.
sorry adamant fo no exp. you said drawn comb great no problem them suckers should take off and do good, use all I have when have it
Adamant,
5 weeks ago, I put a large swarm in 2 medium boxes of drawn frames. 3 weeks later they were very heavy and full of nectar in the top box. I added another super and they are filling it.
Jim