Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => DOWN UNDER BEEKEEPING => Topic started by: Lancej on June 14, 2017, 09:12:19 pm

Title: Small cell, how's it going.
Post by: Lancej on June 14, 2017, 09:12:19 pm

I am looking at going to small cell wax foundation in my brood boxes. I only know of one commercial operator  running small cell at this stage, does any one have long term experience with it?

Title: Re: Small cell, how's it going.
Post by: azzkell on June 15, 2017, 12:26:20 am

Hi Lance, whats the reason for small cell?
Is it to do with the natural size rather than mans idea if bigger bee bigger harvest?

Title: Re: Small cell, how's it going.
Post by: Lancej on June 15, 2017, 02:02:01 am

Hi Azzkell, smaller bees are meant to develop quicker, have a longer life span, more cells per frame and have more bees in the hive. I'm hoping we get a few updates from those that have changed cell size because there the ones with real time experience.

Title: Re: Small cell, how's it going.
Post by: Acebird on June 15, 2017, 08:47:15 am

Over here small cell is use for a resistance against mites.  I don't think you guys have to deal with mites, do you?

Title: Re: Small cell, how's it going.
Post by: Michael Bush on June 15, 2017, 12:27:36 pm

>does any one have long term experience with it?

I've been using nothing but small cell and natural comb since about 2002.

Title: Re: Small cell, how's it going.
Post by: azzkell on June 15, 2017, 01:57:36 pm

Lance that makes a whole lot of sense.
I have started using starter strips at top of frame and allowing them to build whatever they wish.
No mite problems where I am thankfully.

Title: Re: Small cell, how's it going.
Post by: Andersonhoney on June 16, 2017, 05:10:27 am

Ace bird, I've been converting to small cell for a few years. It takes a long time, I'm hoping I'll have all my hives converted by the time varroa gets here.

Title: Re: Small cell, how's it going.
Post by: Captain776 on June 16, 2017, 07:57:29 am

The Fat Beeman is commercial and runs nothing but small cell