[mowfask]

> Beekeeping as it has been done since the widespread adoption of the Langstroth hive has been bad for bees.

Actually, without the movable frame system hives wouldn't have much of a chance to survive (At least in our part of Germany). My only hive died this winter, because there was too much honey in it. When the hive cools down to the lower 20°C range in winter the honey crystallizes and becomes too hard for the bees to eat. If done properly, taking the honey and feeding the right syrup (which is not just sugar and water) will keep them alive, as it doesn't crystallize.

I'm quite sure the cell foundation you get in here are of natural size and I have not experienced any problems with the bees building natural combs for drones. Here again the frame system is just great for helping the hive: It allows for the drone combs to be removed after the cells have been sealed, which reduces Varroa, as these prefer drones as hosts.

Another considerable advantage of Langstroth vs. classical skeps: You don't have to kill the hive to get honey/wax. Plus you get pure honey and not some honey - dead bee - crushed larvae - coctail.