New Keeper Hive Needs

[rayb]

Hi, I'm brand new, am going to bee school March 25th and have a 3 pound box of bees coming April 9th.What would be an appropriate list of hive parts that I'm likely to need in case this box of bees really gets going in it's first year. I don't want to be caught short and have to reorder at the last minute. Reading the forum I notice how heavy some full boxes can be. My body might like something in the middle. Thanks for your help. Ray

[TwT]

we just had a talk about this , read this link

http://www.beemaster.com/beebbs/viewtopic.php?t=4290

[rayb]

This is a good reference posting for new guys, Thanks. Also , with vertically wired foundation, is it necessary to cross wire it horizontally? What does this do for the foundation and will my bees be cranky with me if I don't cross wire? Ray

[Robo]

Also , with vertically wired foundation, is it necessary to cross wire it horizontally?

The cross wires help keep the foundation from bowing and also add strength when fully drawn and full of honey.

Although it is not absolutely neccessary,  by not using it you are increasing your risk of poorly drawn comb.  If the foundation bows, they will still try to make the comb straight compared to the adjacent frame, meaning one side of the bowed foundation will have shallow cells and the other side will have deep cells.

I know cross wiring requires extra equipment for the beginner and understand the desire not to do it.  If you decide not to use it, at least pin the sides with foundation pins.