Extracting question

[rayb]

Some of of medium supers are close to being fully filled and capped over but some are maybe 3/4 capped. Must the frames be 100 % capped before extracting or is "ALMOST" all capped OK, too?

Thanks, Ray

[KONASDAD]

Its still early so wait a week or so. If its not capped, it has too much water content and will spoil more quickly. If you intend to consume immediately it wont matter. I'll only extract if theres less than 5% uncapped on one frame or at most two frames. Seasons just getting rolling.

[JP]

I agree with Konasdad, I would wait for them to finish drawing and capping, unless you have a refractometer, which would tell you your moisture content, the safe and cheaper bet is to wait for the bees to draw and finish.

Now, if you just can't wait to harvest, pull the frames that are completely drawn and capped, and harvest them. Replace the empty spaces with undrawn frames, and put the ones you harvest back on and this will give them a jump start on more honey to be drawn.

[Mici]

some say that 1/3 capped comb is enough, others say that if you hold it flat and shake it, if honey doesn't fall out it's enough.

[rayb]

Thanks, I'll be patient a little while longer. Ray