any tricks for getting bees to draw out supers

[ldeano]

I have a new hive that has been doing great drawn out both brood boxes in no time at all,  then I added the med super about 3 weeks ago and they have not touched it.  Was wondering if anyone had any tricks to get them drawing out the comb, since I can't move frames up due to the size difference.

[Eric Bosworth]

Unfortunately, I don't have a good answer for you. Other than you just proved why I only use one size frame.

[mikecva]

The bees need pollen to draw out the combs (nectar for honey) so I would mist the frames with 1:1 sugar water and add a pollen patty this time of year (unless you have pollen available.  -Mike

[Kathyp]

Did you use an excluded?  Is there a flow in?  They don't draw what they don't need.

[OldMech]

Did you use an excluded?  Is there a flow in?  They don't draw what they don't need.

   Good reply.. they dont draw what they dont need..  Even if they are a bit overcrowded they wont draw if theres no flow, and if you put an excluder on they may be seeing it as a barrier.

   If they are crowded they could use the room, so pull the excluder and feed them slowly.. three or four holes in a jar or bucket over the top bars for example.. enough for them to think there's a light flow but not enough for them to store and plug up your frames with syrup.
   Heat also helps.

[ed/La.]

Try putting a frame in brood box. Sometimes this works.

[ldeano]

Thanks for the replies. No excluder on. And we should be coming in to our fall flow.  I like the spaying 1/1 idea. Think I will try that. At first I was optimistic I might get fall honey from this first year hive but I don't know now. I was just kinda wanting to try to get some of the super frames drawn out as a head start on next year.

[sc-bee]

Are you in a death....if yes is the answer.... be careful spraying 1:1. May get more than you bargain for 

[chux]

you are going into the fall flow? Around here, it seems like the bees don't want to draw much new wax during the fall flow. It's like the hit a wall and decide it's time to stop expanding and concentrate on consolidating and prepping what they have for winter. Sounds like you could ride through the winter with those 2 boxes, and the hit the ground running next season.

[GSF]

Last spring I melted down and painted the old wax on my foundation frames. Worked like a charm - just like on you tube.