Drawn Comb or just Foundation for new packages???

Packrat3wires · March 19, 2015, 02:56:31 PM

I am receiving 8 new packages next week and have a question. I have about 50 hive frames of drawn comb from hives that were not strong enough to survive the crazy winter we just had. The comb was drawn last year and still contains some honey, pollen etc, plus empty cells. I have researched this question and seem to be running across 2 separate thoughts on using this comb for new packages. The first thought is let the bees draw out new comb and just install the package on empty frames of wax. The second thought is install the packages on the 1 year old comb to give them a head start. I can use any comments regarding this dilemma especially from those with personal experience. Thanks

mikecva · March 19, 2015, 03:04:19 PM

I have always shaken or knocked the dead bees out of the brood frames that did not make it to spring (winter loss). Some bees will remain in, because they were in tight enough that knocking the frame against the hive did not dislodge them, and the new bees cleaned out the old comb. This cleaning out the comb seldom takes more then 3 days so the combs are empty by the time the new queen is released. -Mike

iddee · March 19, 2015, 04:22:07 PM

Drawn comb is beekeeper's gold. Use it.

Michael Bush · March 19, 2015, 05:18:58 PM

Drawn comb should be in the hives being used, not in storage being eaten by wax moths... Always use it when you have it. It will give them a big head start.

Packrat3wires · March 19, 2015, 05:26:46 PM

With only 50 frames should I put 6 drawn frames to each hive body in the middle with 2 undrawn frames on each side of them? I could do that with all 8 packages. Or I could put them all in 5 hive bodies and let the remaining 3 packages draw theirs out. What do you guys think would be best?

iddee · March 19, 2015, 06:19:01 PM

I would put them this way.

FDFDDDDFDF

D=drawn
F=FOUNDATION

OldMech · March 19, 2015, 06:29:42 PM

Quote from: iddee on March 19, 2015, 04:22:07 PM
Drawn comb is beekeeper's gold. Use it.

I assume you have 8 frame hives from your description? Either way, what everyone has said stands.. use it.
The drawn comb will boost each of those hives by days if not weeks. The queen can lay the moment she decides to do so, rather than waiting for drawn comb, or laying in partially completed cells. The bees will polish those frames and the queen will put them to immediate use. you will have more bees sooner, so your packages will build up faster. The bees will also be more inclined to stay in the new hives if you have drawn comb in them.
As Iddee said.. Drawn comb is GOLD.. I wish I had 200 more frames no matter how many I do start each year with.