BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER > NATURAL & ORGANIC BEEKEEPING METHODS

Frames with no foundation versus wax foundation for newbee

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Simondsrach:
So while I'm learning my mind keeps changing about equipment to order...  I want to be as natural as possible without making the tasks impossible ... so I'm curious about the frame styles that are made to be used without foundation so that the bees build their own natural comb without following a preset foundation I provide ... the kit I'm looking at offers several options of frame and foundation styles ... originally I was going to go with the "d" style frame and all wax foundation.   But I see a frame option for natural comb building.

   Is this a plausible  option for a first time bee keeper...
if I use wired wax foundation will I get honey comb or just comb honey.
If I buy frames that are developed to be used without foundation and its not working out, could I use the same style frame  and put wax foundation in

http://www.kelleybees.com/res/uploads/media//Frame-Style-Descriptions.pdf

cao:
When I first started I was going to go all foundationless.  I tried it and I would advise against it as a new beekeeper.  I would start with wax foundation until you get some experience working the bees.  It can be overwhelming at first without adding the problem of crosscombing.  My first year I had the bees draw the comb at a 45 degree angle across 5 frames before I caught it.  It was a mess and as a first year beek I didn't know what to do.  I am not against foundationless frames at all.  In fact I have some in my hives right now(and plan to have more). 

As far as the frames, there is no easy way to put foundation in the foundationless frames that I know of.  It is easier to go foundationless in the frames meant for foundation.   

The "d" style frame can be used either way.  You can use starter strips in place of the full sheet of wax foundation if you want to go foundationless. 

Psparr:
My advice would be to start out on foundation first, then when the colony is established start putting empty frames in the brood nest. They will build much nicer comb if they have a guide to follow. Starting with all foundationless is doable, but they can start building wonky comb and it is a pain getting it straightened out.

gww:
I went compleetly foundationless.


I have made hundreds of these. I can not add foundation to my frames later and so guess I am committed.  I put swarms into empty boxes with these and so far, I guess I am happy with the results.  I am first year with three hives and so may be in for a rude awakining.  I went this way cause I was trying to do bees with me making every thing and not having to buy stuff.  I am not promoting you do this but just showing the comb guide that I use.
Good luck
gww

Michael Bush:
Foundationless is what I would do:
http://www.bushfarms.com/beesfoundationless.htm

And all eight frame mediums:
http://www.bushfarms.com/beeseightframemedium.htm

Decisions:
http://www.bushfarms.com/beesoptions.htm

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