Nice job JP. That was an interesting removal.
I have a couple questions if you don't mind.
Will the bees attatch the cut out comb and expand it to fill the frame?? If not do you take those frames out after a while so that they can draw out full frames. If they do would you be willing to post pics or videos of the drawn out frames?
You have mentioned that the bees are kicking out the rubber bands. Do they take them off themselves? or do you open the hive and take the rubber bands off? Would you be willing to post pics or video of this also?
Thanks alot I really appreciate the time and effort you put into your cut-outs, entertaining and educational a perfect combination. Look foreward to your next removal.
Lee
If they're pretty good bees, they do as they are told! :-D
With proper resources they will expand/build new comb and attach to frames. I have pulled frames from cut out colonies and was hard pressed to distinguish a difference between one that was foundation-less from a cut out and one having foundation that I introduced.
Not all bees are created equal so there will be variances on what they've done with what you've given them to work with.
Some bees kick all the rubber bands out, some chew through them and build comb over/around them. When I go in I pull out any rubber bands that have served their purpose.
I will be going to one of my main bee yards soon and will have my camera with me to get footage of some of what you are asking.
If the weather is agreeable tomorrow, I can also film some of what my "Thanksgiving bees" have done. I was in them today and transferred them from a medium nuc to a full size medium. A lot of what you are asking can be seen in this hive.
...JP