how long do you keep cutout comb tied in the frames?

[joker1656]

How long do you keep your cutout comb tied/rubberbanded in the frames?  Also, how long do you keep the comb in period? Do you eventually remove it and replace it with new foundation, or something? 

I have three hives that are made up from cutouts.  I am wondering if I should let the rubberbands stay on until the bees eat through them, or if I need to keep an eye on it, and remove the bands when the comb is pretty secure in the frames.  Two of the hives appear to be queen right.  The other does not appear to be.  Obviously, I need to give it some attention, and combine it, or try to let them raise their queen.  It just makes me nervous, moving anything around with the comb just resting in there. 

Anyway, thoughts/advice is appreciated.

-Joker

[G3farms]

On most cut outs the old comb will be attached to the frame in a week or so, just depends on how fast they are drawing comb out. they will remove the rubber bands in a couple of weeks and then again maybe not. For the most part if the comb was put in the frame in a big chunk and they have it attached and all looks well just leave it. I find that the smaller pieces seem to make a bigger mess and have wild or burr comb coming off of it. Keep moving it to the outside edges and out of the brood nest till you can finaly remove it from the hive.


G3

[iddee]

I try to work it out by the end of the season, if practical.

[Michael Bush]

>How long do you keep your cutout comb tied/rubberbanded in the frames? 

Until the wax moths eat it.

>Also, how long do you keep the comb in period?

Until the wax moths eat it.

> Do you eventually remove it and replace it with new foundation, or something?

Not I.

[Moonshae]

I leave it in indefinitely. The bees chew out the rubber bands when they're ready, and I'll clean them off the bottom board, but I don't pull them from frames, ever.