Jim Norfolk wrote: ↑22 Apr 2019, 18:17
Chris how do you do your foundationless frames? I tend to just cut the old wax out and use the frames as they are unless there has been evidence of disease. That saves a bit of work. I alternate them with frames with foundation.
I followed the apiarist blog way, I use a tongue depressor attached to the top bar and in brood frames I use 2 bamboo skewers either side to the bottom, I use a staple gun to attach the bamboo sticks and tongue depressor. In super frames I just use the tongue depressor. and nothing else.
I have not noticed the bees prefering worker cells over drone cells however I accept Nigels observations, all I would say it cut out the drone comb instead of throwing the full frame out and let them try again for worker comb just in that bit. they do indeed make a lot more worker comb than I ever thought possible however I raise queen and view this as a positive aspect of foundational frames but if I didnt want it, I would just cut that section of the frames out and let them have another go. I also find that if they are drawering it out in swarm season they put lots of drone comb in, but after swarm season they draw just worker cells so thats the best time to draw them out. they draw them much better on a box over the brood nest to. but thats the same for foundation. they draw them out best if inserted inbetween two existing drawn frames but i have put a full box of empty frames on and they have turned out fine but you definately get ones that are messed up. Not a significant amount but noticable.