Since I started with bees I have gone foundation less. I always wind up with cross comb and
bur(sic) comb all over the super. That's why I am going with plastic.
This change in management is a very significant move and now you say
you are including extraction in the equation I ask have you thought this
through to the end point where you have all frames in all colonys holding
plastic foundation?
Also, what is it with wax foundation you find unsuitable?
I declare a personal aversion to the product - shared by bees in many a
colony - yet can say those I have seen use it sucessfully for extraction
have crosswired the frames. Crosswire is piano wire wire strung from
corner to corner. Some also cut the corners away maybe 20mm, said to
improve acceptance.
IF I was to bring these frames to a colony it would be whilst a heavy flow
is on and as honey supers. Once extracted then the drawn frames would be
put to a broodchamber.
I will say that in my experience plastic foundatipn once drawn evenly is
well accepted by bees, anywhere. It is the frustration - read colony
bewiderment - in getting sufficient cleanly drawn frames I find unacceptable.
Bill