Tim,

>    You just can't do major manipulations without chilling the
> bees/brood.  (ie. quickly lifting the cover to put in a pollen patty or
> food should be ok.  I've even installed queens in splits (made on the
> previous much warmer day) when it was only 32F with good success).

The dangers of cold weather are greatly exaggerated.   I realize that
Alaska has a different situation than much of the U.S.A., but much of
the northland has similar conditions.   When I first began to be
successful at wintering bees here in south-central Alaska I did brief
examinations of colonies down to 10 degrees F.   This was to see if
brood rearing had begun (long story but lack of winter brood seems to
have been my wintering problem).   I only pulled a frame or two to make
sure brood rearing had begun, but hives adapted and came through winter
strong.   This is not to say that cold weather manipulations are
desirable, only less catastrophic than often thought.

Tom Elliott
Chugiak, AK

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
-- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and  other info ---
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::