Dick, >Other hives were either insulated or not. While I didn't keep records, it >seems as though there was not much difference in either in strength or >production and some colony losses. > I think last winter was pretty much useless in evaluating wintering proceedures. I lost my first hive since my new practice of using Canadian queens. The problem, starvation. I fed 75 pounds of sugar via syrup in the fall and the hive was bone dry by late winter. I postulate that it was too warm and the bees were too active, using up all the stores. Another unique Alaskan winter? Tom Elliott Chugiak, AK :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::