Another popsicle stick question...

bassman1977 · June 18, 2008, 07:38:51 PM

This is directed to those of you who use popsicle sticks for their bees to drawn natural sized cells and NOT using wires in the frames for support...

After frames are drawn out, do you find that the comb is sturdy enough where if you were to pick up the hive, put it on a trailer and haul it across town, you would be confident that none of the comb would be collapsed or damaged? Curious for some input. I want to have natural cells and also I will be needing to relocate hives on occasion (maybe once a year) so I need to know that the foundation will be good enough to make the trip or if I need to wire it for support.

Thanks.

Jerrymac · June 18, 2008, 08:44:41 PM

If the comb is attached to the top and a little bit on the sides it can then be tilted, don't tilt unless it is attached on three sides.

As far as moving, I am guessing it would be done in the cool of the night or early morning? That would be a great time to do it even if it is only attached to the top bar. I would be cautious in high temps like 95F or more. No real bumpy roads or erratic driving.

I don't use wires.... and I never moved the hives either.

bassman1977 · June 19, 2008, 12:39:23 AM

I think I will play better safe than sorry and put the wire in. Won't take but a few extra minutes to save myself a lot of headache in the end. Thanks for the input Jerry.

Jerrymac · June 19, 2008, 10:24:23 AM

I think I remember reading something about it is best to wait till the bees have drawn out the comb before putting in the wires because they will try to avoid the wire.

bassman1977 · June 19, 2008, 10:29:22 AM

I have used starter strips with wired frames. The bees just ignored the wires and built the comb right over top of it with no problems.

Robo · June 19, 2008, 10:55:48 AM

I agree, play it safe and spend the time wiring. After dealing with broken comb, I wire everything now and don't worry about it ever again. You can wait an awful long time sometimes for them to connect it on 3 sides. I have no problem with them drawing over wire either. I'm willing to bet that those who do have issues with it don't have their hives level.

Ross · June 19, 2008, 11:11:44 AM

Wire is a waste of time and money on mediums. I haul them and I extract them without problem.

bassman1977 · June 19, 2008, 11:27:49 AM

QuoteWire is a waste of time and money on mediums. I haul them and I extract them without problem.

Obviously I haven't hauled them, but I have extracted combs built on starter strips that wasn't wired and I get blowouts each time. I extract them slowly, and not completely at first, flipping them over when about half the honey is out of the initial side. Heck, I had two duriguilt frames blow out when I extracted two weeks ago.

Ross · June 19, 2008, 04:08:23 PM

I extracted 12 supers of medium foundationless this weekend, about 40 gallons. Used a Dadant 20 frame powered extractor. Total of 2 blown frames. Don't use starter strips and the bees will attach it to the wood better. Radial extractors are easier on the comb.

bassman1977 · June 19, 2008, 05:00:49 PM

QuoteRadial extractors are easier on the comb

I only have a 3 frame right now. It's not a radial. Eventually I will need to get a bigger one and you better believe it will be a radial.