Comment

Comment by Paul McCarty on August 24, 2012 at 8:51am

I also noticed my smaller bees tend to see regular foundation almost like drone cells. They don't like to switch back and forth too much.

Comment by Paul McCarty on August 24, 2012 at 8:47am

My observation totally. Should have explained things a bit better I guess.

Comment by Rob Shepler on August 24, 2012 at 8:21am

Most of us that have read Michal Bush know what Paul is talking about but a little explanation is probably in order.

 

Paul runs langstroth hives with no foundation on his frames and allows his bees to pull comb in the size that they choose. They tend to build smaller worker bees than on commercial foundation which has increased in size over the years. Some believe that by using smaller cell size there is less room in the cell for varroa and it discourages an infestation. Paul’s bees are fully regressed.

 

The bees that came with that foundation are exhibiting no varroa, so Paul’s observations are backing up the natural cell size argument.

 

Save the frames, ditch the foundation!

Comment by Paul McCarty on August 24, 2012 at 7:53am

Not that you had a part of it Rob - but I am leary of the bigger cells.

Comment by Paul McCarty on August 24, 2012 at 7:51am

That is the only way we can save it. Not only that, when everything collapsed back in the 80's, that is what carried it through. By the way, Saw my first mites on my bees yesterday. It was in a hive I stuck that foundation I got from you in. I suppose I should rotate that stuff out ASAP. I have NEVER seen mites on my bees before.

Comment by Rob Shepler on August 24, 2012 at 7:33am

I think it is pretty cool, beekeeping is becoming less an industrial endeavor and more of a local enterprise as it needs to be. As more new folks get into it, more local support will be required. Any ideas how we can help and support his efforts?

Comment by Paul McCarty on August 24, 2012 at 7:25am

I believe that is Leo Varela's new group.

Comment by James H DAWDY on August 23, 2012 at 10:35pm

Saw an ad on craigslist for a beekeeping club in Anthony: http://elpaso.en.craigslist.org/grd/3212967667.html

Comment by Kevin Schwebel on August 21, 2012 at 10:45am

Tomorrow or Thursday, depending on whether I got 3 or 4-day olds when I grafted them. That's why I'm moving the extras later this afternoon, but I've only got one nuc. Hence the extras.

Comment by Paul McCarty on August 21, 2012 at 10:19am

Kevin, when are they due to hatch? I just checked mine and I am afraid the recent cold has done a number on some of them.

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