Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum
BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: BAHBEEs on September 16, 2019, 03:48:56 pm
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A buddy and I removed a medium/small hive out of a house that has stood vacant for years but is now being refurbished. we really only had one problem, but it is a tough one.
What is the best way to secure a slab of brood onto a empty frame such that it is securely fastened? Most of ours just eventually fell out of the frames, even though bailing wired in.
I am betting I get more calls for this, and would like a better answer.
Thanks,
Barry
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I have used rubber bands for years. I use a small stick under the brood and twist the band with a twig to hold the brood near the top of frame most of the time the bees attach the comb to the frame top. I have used a twig on each side of the frame secured with rubber bands to hold a crooked comb in place. Just use Shade Tree engineering and let the bees do their thing. I usually over engineer, let the master comb builders do their thing.
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Had not even considered rubber bands. I was thinking maybe zip ties, but rubber bands would be more gentle.
Thanks!
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I use 1/4 in. wide rubber bands that are small enough to be tight and hold the comb without further stretching. I use 3 vertically and 1 or 2 horizontally on each piece of comb. That's 5 bands on one full frame comb and 8 on 2 combs in one frame.. I have never had one to fallout
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Had not even considered rubber bands. I was thinking maybe zip ties, but rubber bands would be more gentle.
Thanks!
Just bought a bag of size 33 at Office Depot they fit both ways perfect - I put a few around my wrist and hold the brood in place
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Had not even considered rubber bands. I was thinking maybe zip ties, but rubber bands would be more gentle.
Thanks!
Just bought a bag of size 33 at Office Depot they fit both ways perfect - I put a few around my wrist and hold the brood in place
The 64s work good too. You can also place the bands on the ends of the frames, already stretched and ready to go before hand. That way you can easily move the band in place with one hand when you need it.
Phillip
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I also use rubber bands. I put three on each end of the frames before I start the cut out. Then you just slide them in place. I do not worry about making them touch the top bar. The bees usually fill in the space within a week.
Jim Altmiller
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I use these, huge rubber bands #105,,,, 5 x 5/8 inch which hold the comb very well.
Eventually the bees will chew these thick bands into. The bees have stronger bite than I ever imagined.
Van
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I also use rubber bands. I put three on each end of the frames before I start the cut out. Then you just slide them in place. I do not worry about making them touch the top bar. The bees usually fill in the space within a week.
Jim Altmiller
Yes same here Jim, except sometimes I have found the need to use four if the comb is such that I have to use two pieces of comb, in one frame, in order to (fill the frame from side to side). I have experimented and tried the X pattern but went back to the original method. With 64s I have never had a comb fall out either as per iddee but his way is much safer for sure!