StephenW Posted October 29, 2010 Share Posted October 29, 2010 I go my hive today its a national one. Every thing included. All I need is foundation wax. I am hopeing to start bee keeping next year. Could someone please tell please tell me if I get the wax foundation now will it go off? Or when should I get it? Thanks Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 29, 2010 Share Posted October 29, 2010 Stored sesibly, it will not go off, possibly for years - if sealed in polythene and stored under favourable, cool dry conditions. Fit the foundation just a short time before it is needed, or it can become hard and brittle quite quickly, often a problem with beginners starting with a small nuc into a full brood box (not recommended!), or distorted if stored too hot. Beeks soon learn to save a few frames of drawn comb. It is a valuable asset, but needs careful protection against waxmoth, mice, etc. Regards, RAB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephenW Posted October 29, 2010 Author Share Posted October 29, 2010 Thanks RAB. So either wait until nuc become large before moving bees or get a large nuc and put it in brood box? Thanks Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 29, 2010 Share Posted October 29, 2010 Neither. Putting a nuc into a box with, say, more than a 100% increase in volume is simply folly. A divider (preferably), or a slab of something the bees will not chew, to isolate/fill the unwanted space until the nuc expands by, say, one or two frames drawn at a time and brooded, is the far better route. 5 frames to a possible 12 in one step is simply asking for trouble, especially if the weather turns inclement. We wouldn't take semi-detached 3 bedroomed size boiler with us when we moved into a five bedroomed detatched mansion might be an analogy. A few extra kilowatts would be required. Similarly with the bees. OK, until they need to conserve heat in the brood nest in a much larger box - all it will do is slow down their development. While this is happening the foundation will be becoming drier as well. Regards, RAB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephenW Posted October 30, 2010 Author Share Posted October 30, 2010 Got hive scorched today and nessecary equipment put into box with lid. Will have stand made for hive and paint outside of hive. Thanks everyone for help. Recieved hive tool today and have ordered wire foundation. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephenW Posted November 2, 2010 Author Share Posted November 2, 2010 Decided not to paint outside of the hive just incase paint contained insecticides. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted November 2, 2010 Share Posted November 2, 2010 Cuprinol indicate which of their preservatives are bee friendly - you'll be able to find it on their site. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kermit Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 I've used cuprinol garden shades on my plywood hives. Bees still alive, so seems OK. Just make sure that you allow to dry thoroughly so no fumes being given off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephenW Posted November 3, 2010 Author Share Posted November 3, 2010 Didnt paint hive in the end. But a helped make a stand for hive. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephenW Posted November 4, 2010 Author Share Posted November 4, 2010 Got my wax foundation in the post yesterday and also has subscribed to a bee keeping course in the evenings so looking forward to that. Stephen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 I'm glad you've found a course to attend - a great place to start. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephenW Posted November 4, 2010 Author Share Posted November 4, 2010 Yeah thanks lesely Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
