Plasticell foundation question

[Bobb]

Why are two corners of plasticell foundation perforated? Do you break the corners off? Just curious.

[JP]

Yes, the idea is to allow bees to get in there and start building at the gap, but some break them off some don't. I only use plasticell (waxed) in my honey supers.


...JP

[Bobb]

Thanks. I thought it might be so they can move back and forth between sides.???

[RayMarler]

Yes Bobb, the bees like to move thru the holes in the corners. Beeks don't like them doing that because of less honey storage, less money.

[Bobb]

Thanks.

[bhfury]

OK, so if you break the perforated corners off, do you orientate facing up towards the top bar or down towards the bottom bar?

Greg Ramalho,
Farmington NM

[JP]

OK, so if you break the perforated corners off, do you orientate facing up towards the top bar or down towards the bottom bar?

Greg Ramalho,
Farmington NM

Bees build from the top bar down so I would leave the opening at the top.


...JP

[Bobb]

I have seen some recent pictures and they had the corners removed at the bottom??? Bees can be so confusing.....

[RayMarler]

the broken out corners go to the bottom of the frame.

[JP]

Boy, I'm batting a thousand on this post, haha, good thing you got Ray to set things straight. Now this is a fact I can take credit saying, some people break em out some don't.

I don't know that it really makes that much of a difference in the scheme of things. What ya say Ray? ;)


...JP

[RayMarler]

ya, it don't make much difference. I've got some that don't have the corners perforated so they are solid. The bees seem to do just fine. They can go under the frame as well as thru the little hole. I think they'd probably prefer the little hole, but what do I know, I'm not a bee!

[bhfury]

Well, since I've started putting these frames in, I've got 4 boxes completed none of those will have the corners broke off, unless... I take may drumel tool and cut them out...that might be a thought...I'll try that!!  :lol:

[bhfury]

Bob,

you have some email...

Greg

[TheGrizz]

Newbie here.
I used Plastic frames and foundation for my two new hives.  A total disaster.  They built between the frames and not ON the foundation.
I lost one hive this year.  No signs of 'obvious' cause.
I built a bunch of frames today (wood and wax foundation) and it was actually fun.
I get a new package of bees this sunday and look forward to comparing the plastic frame/foundation hive to the wood frame/wax foundation hive.

[Robo]

I think you will be much happier with wood and wax.  Just remember to keep the frames tight against each other and leave any extra space split between the outside frames and hive body.

Good luck...

rob....

[Michael Bush]

>They built between the frames and not ON the foundation.

http://www.bushfarms.com/beesfaqs.htm#messedupcomb
http://www.bushfarms.com/beesfaqs.htm#framespacing