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Author Topic: removing old comb  (Read 5234 times)

Offline ryan H

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removing old comb
« 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

Offline njfl

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Re: removing old comb
« Reply #1 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.

Offline ryan H

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Re: removing old comb
« Reply #2 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.

Offline njfl

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Re: removing old comb
« Reply #3 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!

Offline ryan H

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Re: removing old comb
« Reply #4 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?

Offline Michael Bush

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Re: removing old comb
« Reply #5 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?
My website:  bushfarms.com/bees.htm en espanol: bushfarms.com/es_bees.htm  auf deutsche: bushfarms.com/de_bees.htm  em portugues:  bushfarms.com/pt_bees.htm
My book:  ThePracticalBeekeeper.com
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Offline njfl

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Re: removing old comb
« Reply #6 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!


Offline ryan H

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Re: removing old comb
« Reply #7 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!

Offline Michael Bush

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Re: removing old comb
« Reply #8 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.
My website:  bushfarms.com/bees.htm en espanol: bushfarms.com/es_bees.htm  auf deutsche: bushfarms.com/de_bees.htm  em portugues:  bushfarms.com/pt_bees.htm
My book:  ThePracticalBeekeeper.com
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"Everything works if you let it."--James "Big Boy" Medlin

Offline ryan H

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Re: removing old comb
« Reply #9 on: July 24, 2013, 10:26:25 pm »
Thanks for setting me straight!