Natural comb

[Big John]

I am planning on going with natural comb this spring with ordered colonies. I will use 3/4" strips of foundation for starter strips at the top of deep frames. My question is would it help, hurt, or make no difference if I crossed wired the frames and let the bees incorporate the wire in the wax they make?

[bassman1977]

If you are not going to use the comb to make cut comb or chunk honey, the I would recommend wiring.  It's not necessary though.  The wires won't slow them down.  They'll draw right over it.  I started moving my hives to natural comb this year using the wide craft sticks and wiring the frames.  So far so good. 

[Big John]

No it will not be used for cut comb honey, I intend to use natural comb for the brood nest.

[Ross]

For deeps, wires will make it easier to handle.  For mediums I don't find it necessary.

[Michael Bush]

>would it help, hurt, or make no difference if I crossed wired the frames and let the bees incorporate the wire in the wax they make?

I would consider it for deeps.  I would not do it on mediums or shallows.  Make sure the hives are level.

[Pond Creek Farm]

I used mediums with wax starter strips and no wires on one of hives.  All is well.  the comb is straight and does not wobble around in the heat.  I have noticed the bees to be slow to draw out the corners.  It kind of looks like a top bar hive in a Lang frame.  I am hopeful that the who frame will be drawn out as the fall progresses.  I really like the look of the natural comb.