Old comb

Potlicker1 · April 11, 2007, 10:52:06 PM

Being new to beekeeping and have just purchased used equuipment, I'm wondering if anyone has an opinion on using old dark brood comb. I've read recently that it should only be used a couple of years due to the cell decreasing in size after each new bee is born. Any truth to this? :?

Understudy · April 11, 2007, 10:57:11 PM

darn right those cells get smaller. That is what many of us on the boards here want. We call it small cell or natural cell size. You can use you comb for as long as you want provided disease does not become an issue.

If you do not want smaller cell you can replace the foundation.

Sincerely,
Brendhan

Michael Bush · April 12, 2007, 12:05:32 AM

>I've read recently that it should only be used a couple of years due to the cell decreasing in size after each new bee is born. Any truth to this?

The cells will get smaller from cocoons until they reach the threshold that the bees consider to small. That's somewhere between 4.4mm and 4.6mm. Since they start out from "normal" foundation at 5.4mm that's a lot of cocoons. If you start with natural sized foundation (4.9mm) then that's a lot less cocoons.

Smaller is the good thing about them. The layers of places for AFB spores to hide is the down side.

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

Robo · April 12, 2007, 09:30:09 AM

Quote from: Potlicker1 on April 11, 2007, 10:52:06 PM
I'm wondering if anyone has an opinion on using old dark brood comb.

My experience is queens prefer it.

KONASDAD · April 12, 2007, 12:45:02 PM

More and more articles are suggesting replacing old comb b/c of chemical contamination being in the wax. These authors suggest queens are less fertile, shortens lifespans and builds up w/ time, among other potentila hazrds to our bees(CCD?). My hive was purchased from a commercial beek and he used lots of harsh chemicals so I have begun replacing my stuff. Any thought and suggestions about this perceived contamination would be appreciated.

Understudy · April 12, 2007, 03:51:35 PM

That is why I don't use chemicals on my hives. I don't buy chemical laced foundation.

Sincerely,
Brendhan

Potlicker1 · April 12, 2007, 10:27:33 PM

Thanks alot for the advice guys. You hear alot of things out there and I just want to start out on the right foot.

Michael Bush · April 13, 2007, 10:35:34 PM

>More and more articles are suggesting replacing old comb b/c of chemical contamination being in the wax.

Exactly why we should stop putting chemicals in the hives...