Following several conversations with individuals during the last few days - I would be most grateful
for any comments relating to the following:

After bringing out hives from the in wintering building, it has been correlated that by the use of
noted position / 3 dimensional representation, the colonies that either survived, were weak, or just
died was not random.

It is thought that the distribution system circulating the air may be part of the problems
encountered.

Ventilation is secured by air being forced by a fan into a elongated plastic tube; it having holes
being of the same diameter distributed along its length. Via. these holes air is pushed and results
theoretically in air being circulated around the hive bodies.

In reality, there appears to be unequal air distribution
- holes in the 3 metre section nearest the fan have little volumes of air passing out, whilst those
at the far end of the tube release the majority of the air.
Those hives in areas of limited air supply have been found to be weak, dead, whilst those in areas
of better supply fared well.

To confound the problems encountered, hives were found to have signs of damaging humidity levels
(mouldy frame bases etc.).
It has been suggested that dipped hive floors (timber therefore sealed with impervious material) are
not a helping item.

I would like to hear of other's experiences on in winter housing of colonies, and how they ensure
that there is adequate and equal distribution of air to the colonies.
The colonies are in southern Manitoba, Canada.
Housed between mid October till late May.
The colonies are in single langstroth boxes, fed with HFCS as required before being brought in and
are stacked four hives to a pallet, four pallets high. The pallets are aligned in parallel lines
approx. 4 metres long and 2 metres apart.
The building holds 400+ hives.

Thanks for any replies,
Peter

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