At 10:39 AM 8/1/96 -0500, you wrote:
>
>
>the winter better this year. Also my insulated hive did better than my
>uninsulated ones in the past.This winter all will get insulation which has
>now been fabricated
>
 
        In my limited experience I have had more success going with no
        hive insulation, but providing solid stockade fencing - 6' high to
        project against the prevailing N-NW winds. This method has
        worked on both short/mild and long/cold winters. I have only lost
        one of five hives; and that hive was a weak late season swarm. By
contrast
        when I was using insulation I would typically lose 1 of 2 hives (usually
        the stronger of the two) each winter due to condensation/moisture
        build-up in the hives (even with an upper entrance/vent). Temps in this
        part of VT regularly reach -30F (-35 is my personal coldest)for 4-7
days
        at a time. I do look forward to deep snows to add some natural
insulation
        around the sides and back of the hives. I clear snow away from the front
        (southern exposure) so that the sun beats down on the hives for several
        hours each sunny day.
Tim Peters, Kirby VT
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KirBee Apiary, Bear Bait Honey
I rather be flying!