The first TBH I made, was one using the maximum suggested comb length and as many frames as the wood allowed.
Three years later, and they still do not have all 31 bars drawn out. I have left it swarm, build the comb naturally as possible with no forcing by the way of a follower board, and have not fed them. I have not moved a comb. I wanted the comb location and stores to be dobleepented right where the bees wanted them.
I can see that the location may not be a good nectar area. But I am starting to wonder about the dynamics of the hive itself coming into play, as well as the bees not being effected by volume expansion (supering) perhaps allowing them to build to a point and then just keep swarming. I also am wondering about the use of russian bees where they just seem to shut down. They do not seem to ever be honey bound to the point the queen is limited in laying.
I get the feeling the bees just get to a point and say...that's good enough! I know that's not correct. But has anyone else noticed a lack of stimulation or expansion on levels seen with traditional hives where the brood chamber is expanded and manipulated more?
Anybody have any thoughts about the bees lack of utilizing all the space?
Thank you.
First picture is the 31 bar TBH. Second pic is the 19 inch comb.