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HoneyBeeMan BLOG

Foundationless Frames

9/15/2015

2 Comments

 
Why Foundationless?

It is more natural.  It lets the bees decide what cell size to make without any man made stamped blueprint (as if bees need a guide).  It gets you away from plastic (bees seem to resist plastic) and away from recycled purchased wax foundation.  Wax foundation almost always contains contamination, since it is recycled bee's wax (contaminates from hive chemicals, medications, toxins, get absorbed by wax).

Letting the bees build their own cells results in a "natural" cell size which is smaller (4.7mm) than standard (5.4mm) purchased printed/embossed foundations.   Even if you purchase "small cell" foundation, it will still only be 4.9mm. Bush Bees explains the implications that "natural cell size" had on beekeeping and Varroa mite stabilization which may help you become "treatment free".

How to do it?

The simplest method for me is using the breakaway bar of wedge top bar frames.  Whatever starter strip method you use (Popsicle sticks, 90-degree corner molding, cut-up foundation strips, etc.)... just make sure not to be tempted to wast your time and coat, pour, or rub wax onto the starter strip.  It serves no purpose and may even result in a weaker connection than just letting the bees do it.  
Picture
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What do the bees think... do they like it?


See for yourself.  Below is one of many filled out frames by my bees.  Notice that they strongly attach at key points and allow the hive to be inspected like a standard hive with foundation, without a lot of fear of breaking off the comb during an inspection.  Also notice that the bees make their own communication holes and voids as they feel they need... where they want them.
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These bees, as with all my current colonies, are treatment free.  Very enjoyable doing beekeeping more naturally.

This is intentionally a very short post.  I don't have time to go into all the benefits of foundationless beekeeping and what it can do for you; however, if you would like much more information, visit my favorite resource for natural beekeeping Bush Farms Bees (Michael Bush).
2 Comments
Mark Lewis
6/2/2020 05:01:06 pm

Dennis, thanks for putting up the post. I'm a real bee newby - in fact, I have zero hives. But took an Extension Office class & working this year with a couple of beekeepers here in central Alabama. I'm planning on hives starting next spring 2021, and after a fair amount of research, I want to start with cordovan bees. Koehnen is the only place I've found, so far, to get them. Did you get yours shipped via UPS or similar? Any problems?

And although I'm a newby, I am also impressed by Michael Bush's thoughts and will go foundationless (at least on some of my frames to begin with)

Reply
Dennis Riggs link
6/2/2020 05:42:39 pm

Mark,

I have used Koehnen as a source for my Cordovan bees in the past. It has been years since I used Cordovan, but coincidentally I was talking to the lady I mentor in Flow Hive beekeeping and she and I are going to order some and give it a go again. I called them my "golden girls" because they are so light and pretty when the sun catches them as they fly out in the mornings. Also told her about the advantage of knowing you still have your queen, because if she is every superceded or is no longer, the colony raised queen will most likely be darker Italians. I think they shipped them 2 or 3 day Priority in the past and they arrived fine.

Reply



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    Dennis Riggs

    Registered FL Beekeeper and Live Bee Removal specialist, Natural, Treatment Free, Alva, FL

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  • Services
    • Live Bee Removal
    • Talks & Honey Tasting
  • Store
    • All Products >
      • HONEY, BASF Club
      • Complete HIVE
      • Hive Deep Brood Box
      • Top Cover, Migratory 10-Frame
      • Honey Super Boxes
      • Frame 9 1/8 Assembled
      • Frame 6 1/4 Assembled
      • Inner Cover
      • Hive Staples
      • Pro NUC
      • Smoker, S.S. w/guard
      • 5 Gal. Bucket w/Lid & Valve
      • Uncapping Knife, Elec
      • Uncapping Fork Scraper
      • Needle Roller Uncapper
      • Queen Catcher
      • Bear 12 oz w/flip-cap
      • Squeeze Jar, 1-lb w/flip-cap
      • Cut Comb Box Clear w/ Lid
      • Polo Shirt BASF logo
      • T-Shirt BASF logo
      • Manuka Body Wash
  • Product Links
    • Beekeeping Supplies >
      • Hive Complete
      • Smoker Pellets
      • Smoker Bellow
      • Munuka Honey Raw
      • Munuka Body Wash
    • Chess Memory Game
    • Security Cameras
    • Lens Kit Smart Phone
    • RIGGSwear Jeans
    • LED T5 Light Fixture
    • Shotgun Microphone
    • HP Desktop Computer
    • SATA/IDE to USB Adapter
    • Lightning to 3.5mm Adapter
    • WiFi Boost Extender
    • Pour Over Coffee
    • Griddle Crepe Maker
    • Fry Pan Set, Utopia
    • Switchdriver Drill
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