Frames/Foundation

[JordanM]

I am new at this and dont want to spend alot of money on this. If i buy a package of bees and put them in there beehive with frames that do not have foundation on them will they build on the fames.

[CBEE]

Sure they will but you will have a nice big mess to deal with  :roll:
You need to give them something to get them started right so they build correctly on the frames. Most people that use foundationless frames use starter strips in the frames. starter strips are just a 1 or 2 inch strip of foundation or even thin piece of plactic placed in the top bar of the frame. You are probabpy better off starting with some standard frames and foundation and get some nicely drawn frames then placing a foundationless frame with starter strip inbetween them so they draw it out right.
If you want to get into beekeeping you are going to have to spend some money just like any other hobby.
You dont have to spend big bucks to get started but if you dont buy enough equipment to at least start out right you may end up with a nightmare mess that you wish you never started and might not be so easy to straighten out or an expensive box full of dead bees.
One word of warning.. once you get into beekeeping you will probably have to get a second job to supprt you beekeeping habit :-D

[Brian D. Bray]

I am new at this and dont want to spend alot of money on this.

Always a consideration.  Check the suppliers on the internet for there monthly specials as they will often discount supers and /or frames when bought in quanities of 1/2 dozen.  Check for a supplier close to you or learn to make your own.  I do all three depending on what's available and how much green I have at the moment.

If i buy a package of bees and put them in there beehive with frames that do not have foundation on them will they build on the fames.

I started 3 packages of bees on foundationless frames last spring.  If you get the wedged top bar frames just remove the wedge (cleat) and turn it sideways and reattach so that it forms a ridge the length of the frames.  The bees will use the ridge as a guide and usually build beautiful comb.  If you're concerned about the bees building wierd combs just use a piece of paper that will cover the wider portion of the end bar.  Attach the paper from end bar to end bar on the wider part.  It acts like a tent and the bees will build the wax within the frame while they chew away the paper.  Once they get it started correctly it will usually stay that way unless you have Caucasians of Minnesota Hygenics which love to build wierd combs just for the fun of it even when full foundation is used.

[Michael Bush]

>If i buy a package of bees and put them in there beehive with frames that do not have foundation on them will they build on the fames.

Only if there is some kind of comb guide.  Popscicle sticks in the groove will do.

http://www.bushfarms.com/beesfoundationless.htm