The rearing frame carries the bars with cups and hangs in the colony. Its size is that of an ordinary brood frame, so it fits into the brood nest.

Construction

• A frame containing two or three horizontal bars
• The bars are detachable
• Space between the bars so the bees can pass and feed the cells

Why placement is decisive

The frame belongs between brood frames, in the warm zone with plenty of young bees.

At the edge of the colony it cools and fewer cells are accepted. This is one of the commonest causes of a disappointing round — and it costs nothing to avoid.

Making room

The rearing frame takes the place of a brood frame. In a strong, full colony room must be made without tearing the brood nest apart.

Taking out a frame of stores or an empty frame is better than removing a brood frame.

The number of cells

More cups does not mean more usable cells. A colony can only feed a certain number properly; beyond that the quality of every cell falls.

Match the number to the strength of the cell builder.

The schedule

• Sealed: about eight days after grafting
• Emergence: about twelve days after grafting

Cells must go to the mating nuclei before emergence. Note the grafting date on the frame itself; that is the simplest way not to forget it.

Handling

• Keep the frame upright; tipping damages the pupae
• Do not shake
• Keep it out of the colony only briefly, out of wind and sun
• Transport in an insulated container

Maintenance

Remove wax and propolis after each round. Replace damaged bar fixings.