I will be starting a new hive next month with a package of bees. I would like to go with small/natural cell. Can I set up all the frames in my brood box with a beveled top bar or starter strip and just let them build their own comb? Or do I need to give them some kind of foundation? I would like to let them build all of their own comb throughout the hive, up into the honey supers. When I get to where I can harvest honey, is it ok to use that comb to crush and strain and have them rebuild? Thanks for the help
I have wedges on my bars. and I applied a small amount of bees was to the wedge. Michael Bush has a lot more about this on his site here http://www.bushfarms.com/beesfoundationless.htm (http://www.bushfarms.com/beesfoundationless.htm)
I am starting with a Kenyan Topbar Hive this year and I made wedges. I'm not going to use starter strips.
Blessings!
Scott
>Can I set up all the frames in my brood box with a beveled top bar or starter strip and just let them build their own comb?
Yes. With other benefits:http://www.bushfarms.com/beesnaturalcell.htm
> Or do I need to give them some kind of foundation?
No.
> I would like to let them build all of their own comb throughout the hive, up into the honey supers.
Then give them a guide and let them.
> When I get to where I can harvest honey, is it ok to use that comb to crush and strain and have them rebuild?
Yes. http://www.bushfarms.com/beesharvest.htm