I finally got the supplies to transform my top bar hive into a langstroth. I put the queen into a cage and placed it into the hive. I started shaking bees into the hive (it is foundationless) and I realized that I didnt have any ways to put the comb into the frames. I knew rubber bands would work and I forgot to grab them. I finished shaking all the bees in and smoking all the bees going back to the top bar and they settled down later at night. I'm going to feed like crazy so they can build up but they can rob out their old hive.
Quote from: Xerox on July 30, 2019, 11:10:18 AM
I finally got the supplies to transform my top bar hive into a langstroth. I put the queen into a cage and placed it into the hive. I started shaking bees into the hive (it is foundationless) and I realized that I didnt have any ways to put the comb into the frames. I knew rubber bands would work and I forgot to grab them. I finished shaking all the bees in and smoking all the bees going back to the top bar and they settled down later at night. I'm going to feed like crazy so they can build up but they can rob out their old hive.
What about your brood? We all make them from time to time (big mistakes) I am thinking the minute you realized your mistake, and I am sure you have also thought of it now, it would have been good if you would have reversed all. I hope they do not abscond on you . Let us know how this turns out.
I would definitely still be figuring out how to give them back everything I could from their old hive.
Quote from: Ben Framed on July 30, 2019, 12:17:45 PM
Quote from: Xerox on July 30, 2019, 11:10:18 AM
I finally got the supplies to transform my top bar hive into a langstroth. I put the queen into a cage and placed it into the hive. I started shaking bees into the hive (it is foundationless) and I realized that I didnt have any ways to put the comb into the frames. I knew rubber bands would work and I forgot to grab them. I finished shaking all the bees in and smoking all the bees going back to the top bar and they settled down later at night. I'm going to feed like crazy so they can build up but they can rob out their old hive.
What about your brood? We all make them from time to time (big mistakes) I am thinking the minute you realized your mistake, and I am sure you have also thought of it now, it would have been good if you would have reversed all. I hope they do not abscond on you . Let us know how this turns out.
Sadly the brood was lost in it all. I just had to get them out of that thing I did not like that hive at all. I had to vigorously wash my gloves because they had honey all over them
Quote from: Fishing-Nut on July 30, 2019, 01:26:53 PM
I would definitely still be figuring out how to give them back everything I could from their old hive.
For some reason there isnt a single rubber band in my house so that's an issue. We used to have a lot. Anyways they could rob their old honey. Probably a good equalizer between the hives.
This can be used as a learning experience for all. (We?ll we less beekeepers anyway). Let us know how it works out. Wishing you the best.
SALVAGE YOUR COMB.
The bees can clean out the comb and give the queen a place to lay once more. You have created a total brood break. You need more bees in 21 days, or all your bees will get old, and your colony will die out.
Most TBHs are narrower than a Lang. You can do this. It's fast if you have all the parts. Wear nitrile or latex gloves. Get a bucket of clean water and a rag, to wash clean as you need.
Cutout TBH to Lang:
Get rubberbands at Walmart. Size #32 for medium frames. Use thick cotton thread to wrap for deeps.
Start with an unassembled wood Lang frame.
Set the Lang bar with ears (the top) squarely on a top bar, while the top bars are still suspended in the old TB hive box.
Predrill through the Lang frame's top & top bar together. You are fitting the TBH comb into the Lang frame. It's better than rubberbanding from all sides. Use two 2" drywall screws to fasten them together.
Get the sides and bottom of your Lang frame.
Lift up the connected bars. Fit on the Lang sides. Fasten the sides from the top, using a nail gun if you have one. If you don't, definitely use Titebond and also a tiny finish screw. Nailing with a hammer is difficult if it's not clamped or vise-gripped.
If your TBH comb is too long for the Lang, MEASURE how much you need, allowing for the Lang's bottom bar. Add 1/16" so you can press the wax in. Cut the comb precisely with SCISSORS. If the comb is too short, add the bottom bar and use the rubberbands to wrap, so it won't flop.
Flip the Lang frame upside down. Secure the bottom, using Titebond and nails.
Presto! You have a converted foundationless comb for the Lang. Do the next, and the next.
Save all the comb you can. Comb is the nursery, kitchen, pantry, and insulation for bees. Even in winter they will huddle in empty cells to stay tight together. It's very late in the year to rob them of all their comb.
The queen may be distressed and might take a few days before she starts to lay again, even if you get all the comb in the new hive today.
Expect a huge cross combed mess if you don't get some frames of foundation (or rubberbanded comb from your top bar) in between all of the open space. I would sort it out sooner rather than later, because if you didn't like a top bar, you won't like a cross combed Langstroth either.
Or. Instead of cotton strings for deeps. Office Depot size 64 rubber bands are perfect. I would advise heeding FGs advise.