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> ---------- Original message (ID=C31E8D9C) (77 lines) ------------
> Date: 3 Dec 2000 20:10:14 -0000
> To: Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology
> <[log in to unmask]>
> From: [log in to unmask] (Ivan McGill)
> Subject: Re: screened bottom boards & other stuff
>
>
>>I am currently wintering hives in an un-heated, insulated
>> shed.  Any advise, ideas or questions?> >
>> Mark in Northern Minnesota
>
>
> Hi Mark:
> I have been wintering in a building for over 20 to 25 years years.
> One question I have is how much ventilation do you have? If
> not you are
> going to lose quite a few if not all. The smaller the
> enclosure the more
> fresh you will need. Most have fans on timers or the bigger
> the buildings
> some have fans that run continuously.
>
> One other thing that I do is sweep down the rows and under
> the stacks. Bees
> have off a terrible odor if left too long. When you go in the
> building it
> should smell almost as fresh as outside.
>
> Standby heat. Most of the people I know have. Not a big heater just
> something to take the cold off when it gets -10F to whatever. I use a
> thermostate that goes from freezing up to control the heat.
> It is set at
> about 35-39F, but you can set it to what you are comfortable
> with. Bees
> generate heat but if you can make them comfortable at about
> 40 - 45F they
> will consume less feed and it is easier on them over the confinement
> period. When you have an unheated insulated building after it
> gets cold
> will not warm up as fast after temperature rises outside.
>
> Moisture is another problem with wintering inside. Outside
> the bees get
> moisture from inside the hive. If your bees get restless
> about the middle
> of Feb. to 1st of March it may be lack of moisture.
>
> I Bring my bees outside when the temperature gets to 50F
> during the day
> even if it goes below freezing at night, the days are longer
> and sun is up
> ealier as you know. I have found over the years it you don't
> gain anything
> by keeping them inside too long. In some cases you lose more
> bees that way
> on the floor of the building. When it gets to 50F outside and
> are bringing
> air in to keep the temperature down. Remember 57F to cluster break.
>
> I don't know how much information you gathered before
> attempting this. So
> if you are interested contact me direct and have any more
> questions that I
> am be able to answer.
>
> Ivan
> Prince Geroge, B.C.
>
>