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Bees don’t need prompting to build regular hexagons, they do that on their own. Pre-drawn frames are useful for getting them to build flat combs, that can be re

by kaikai 7y ago

Bees don’t need prompting to build regular hexagons, they do that on their own. Pre-drawn frames are useful for getting them to build flat combs, that can be removed and replaced in the hive without damage.

gorgoiler 7y ago
Why is frame foundation embossed with a regular hexagonal pattern? Is it just for aesthetics? https://www.betterbee.com/images/PDF%20piercofoundation_n.jpg https://www.betterbee.com/images/PDF%20piercofoundation_n.jp... No slur intended re: “just for aesthetics” by the way, I respect how a lot of amateur beekeeping is focused on prize winning.
- Volundr 7y ago
  It's pre-printed with a hexagonal pattern to try to control the size of the cells the bees will make. Basically, the bee will grow to roughly the size of the cell it's grown in, and the size of the cell also controls if the queen lays a worker or a drone. Pre-printed wax cells tend to be larger than those that bees would make on their own, on the theory that larger bees can collect more honey. They are also printed small enough that the queen will lay workers instead of drones in those cells, increasing the worker population, and reducing the drone population. Both of those practices have been called into question recently, as it appears that the larger cells provide more room for varoa mites, and that allowing your bees to regress to their natural size may increase mite resistance. Note: small cell beekeeping does not replace monitoring your mite levels and treating for mites! Similarly, it's starting to appear that drones have a more complex role in the hive than previously thought, and that artificially reducing their population might not by ideal.
lostlogin 7y ago
To add to this - giving them foundation encourages comb the correct size for workers. Let them do their own and you get more drone comb, and more drones.

by kaikai 7y ago

gorgoiler 7y ago

Why is frame foundation embossed with a regular hexagonal pattern? Is it just for aesthetics? https://www.betterbee.com/images/PDF%20piercofoundation_n.jpg https://www.betterbee.com/images/PDF%20piercofoundation_n.jp... No slur intended re: “just for aesthetics” by the way, I respect how a lot of amateur beekeeping is focused on prize winning.

Volundr 7y ago
It's pre-printed with a hexagonal pattern to try to control the size of the cells the bees will make. Basically, the bee will grow to roughly the size of the cell it's grown in, and the size of the cell also controls if the queen lays a worker or a drone. Pre-printed wax cells tend to be larger than those that bees would make on their own, on the theory that larger bees can collect more honey. They are also printed small enough that the queen will lay workers instead of drones in those cells, increasing the worker population, and reducing the drone population. Both of those practices have been called into question recently, as it appears that the larger cells provide more room for varoa mites, and that allowing your bees to regress to their natural size may increase mite resistance. Note: small cell beekeeping does not replace monitoring your mite levels and treating for mites! Similarly, it's starting to appear that drones have a more complex role in the hive than previously thought, and that artificially reducing their population might not by ideal.

lostlogin 7y ago

To add to this - giving them foundation encourages comb the correct size for workers. Let them do their own and you get more drone comb, and more drones.