Quick Demo on how to use Foundation Starter Strips and an explanation of what they are. If you enjoyed our video please consider becoming a Patron and help supporting our future videos on / wellerbeesupply
This season I let my bees draw there own foundation/ wax combs from strips and they done good with it. I also checker boarded. They where drawing a deep in about 2 to 3 days in the spring, but it slowed down in the summer and eventually stopped. I used some old drawn frames and I cut the old wax out of the frames , but I left about 1/2 to 3/4 inch of the old wax combs as a starter strip on top portion of the frame and here again the bees where drawing those before they would touch anything else. It takes my bees forever to draw out the bought full wax foundation sheets, Seems like they don't like them and it looks like that they are trying to clean them forever before they start building on them. Thank you for the quality video and the information it carries.
Fishing line is a must for deeps, and also I had to melt wax in to help hold it. I had 20 pre-built awaiting and half of them fell out. Best way to get them to build it is drop them between open brood, they built 4 in 4 days for me:)
this was good u do a good job teaching about bees and bee keeping do u do this with brood boxes and honey suppers as well. I am getting my honey suppers ready now and I am checker boarding as well with 1 drawn comb and 1 wire foundation new , some comb foundation as well. thanks for this video thank u and have a wonderful day
What would you say is the easiest way to cut foundation for starter strips ? Do you think it would it be possible to use popsicle sticks as the "wedge" with the foundation starter strips in the groove? Thanks Kameron
If you use non wired foundation, I have used just a utility knife following a straight edge. I have also just used popsicle sticks rubbing the edge with bees wax.
I've noticed that on natural drawn comb that bees give themselves holes and bottom openings to travel through the frames. Was wondering if we should be drilling access holes in the plastic foundation?
I know this is an old video, so I am not sure if you will respond. I checkerboarded some foundationless frames in between drawn comb, as you suggested. I used just a wood starter strip, and the bees drew a ton of drone comb. I’m not sure if that is your experience. I mentioned this on a beekeeping Facebook group and was basically chastised for mixing foundation and foundationless.
Hi Eitan, I have seen bees draw brood comb late in the season when they will be kicking drones out shortly. It seems at first that they forgot how to draw comb. I have read that it takes about seven cycles for the bees to get on track. Some quicker than others. I've seen some goofy looking comb. I don't see a problem with mixing drawn comb with starter strips as long as it came from a healthy hive. I have kept bees for 40+ years now and will be the first to admit I don't know everything but I have been successful and failed more than many have even tried. So don't be afraid to try. That's how we learn.
