>When I get my bees next spring what do I need to have in the way of frames and foundation waiting for them? Do I just need frames with popsicle strips? Do I need one of two frames of drawn comb or foundation? If I need a combination of both what's a good formula? Given that I want small cells what's the way to go?
A frame of foundation has the advantage of establishing a line and giving them a ladder, but I've started many without any, just foundationless frames. It's cheap insurance though. In an empty super above the initial box, it's more helpful than the initial box as they are hanging from the frames in the first box. As you add the second, putting a drawn comb in it gives them a ladder and establishes a line for the combs. Without it, they sometimes build from the bottom up.