Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => TOP BAR HIVES - WARRE HIVES - LONG HIVES => Topic started by: ryan H on July 03, 2013, 07:47:14 pm

Title: removing old comb
Post by: ryan H on July 03, 2013, 07:47:14 pm

What is the proper way to cycle the older comb out of a TBH? Would a queen excluder be used if your trying to get the bees to fill it with honey before you remove for good?

Thanks,
Ryan H

Title: Re: removing old comb
Post by: njfl on July 03, 2013, 11:36:17 pm

If you want the bees to fill it with honey before you remove it, place the top bar with the comb outside the brood chamber.  They'll fill it just fine during the honey flow.

Title: Re: removing old comb
Post by: ryan H on July 04, 2013, 12:14:52 am

That is simple. Top bar hives seam easier to keep, and manage in most situations. I'm glad that I decided to go this route.

Title: Re: removing old comb
Post by: njfl on July 05, 2013, 03:42:49 pm

Very cool!

I've been using both top-bars and Langstroths for years now.  I have an affinity for the top-bars, and use a lot of wax, so I don't mind cutting the comb.  But you definitely get more honey from a Langstroth!

Title: Re: removing old comb
Post by: ryan H on July 06, 2013, 10:37:33 am

If I were to cycle one to the back would the remaining brood hatch or do I need to catch it when it is mostly empty?
After that would the bees instinct bee to fill it with honey?

Title: Re: removing old comb
Post by: Michael Bush on July 08, 2013, 10:53:26 am

>What is the proper way to cycle the older comb out of a TBH?

I never do.  Why do you feel you need to?  Are you using chemicals?

Title: Re: removing old comb
Post by: njfl on July 08, 2013, 02:40:17 pm

Ryan, you still want to keep the comb within the cluster where the bees are working.  Not in the way back separate from the cluster.  I'm not sure if that's what you meant.  And yes, the remaining brood will hatch, and as long as you are in a honey flow, the bees will fill the comb with honey.  I would never do anything to sacrifice brood!

Title: Re: removing old comb
Post by: ryan H on July 23, 2013, 11:31:05 pm

No I'll never use chemicals. I was just thinking that if a really black brood comb was in the brood area that it would a good idea to remove it at some point. Is there a certain time to do that? Should I move it to the back so they can fill it will honey, then take it out?
Thanks!

Title: Re: removing old comb
Post by: Michael Bush on July 24, 2013, 11:25:54 am

>No I'll never use chemicals.

Then I don't see the issue.

>I was just thinking that if a really black brood comb was in the brood area that it would a good idea to remove it at some point.

It's strong.  If it's straight, I would keep it.

> Is there a certain time to do that?

Never works for me.  First thing in the spring should work if you insist.

> Should I move it to the back so they can fill it will honey, then take it out?

You can do that if you like.

Title: Re: removing old comb
Post by: ryan H on July 24, 2013, 10:26:25 pm

Thanks for setting me straight!