In a message dated 19/01/2009 01:57:04 GMT Standard Time,  
[log in to unmask] writes:

How is  insulation supposed to affect colony health, prevent CCD, and 
promote  healthy brood??



I recently opened one of my CDB hives when the temperature was about  
freezing point in order to give it a trickle of oxalic.  CDBs have the  option of 
being turned into double skinned hives in winter to maximise  protection from the 
elements, but I don't usually bother.  The cluster was  in the part of the 
hive nearest the part that gets the winter sunshine  unobstructed by trees and 
other hives.  On another occasion I opened a  National in slanticular winter 
sunshine. The National has thick cedar walls  which should provide good 
insulation, but I was struck by the difference in  temperature within the hive between 
the sunny side and the shaded side.
 
I suggest that the best form of insulation for a colony of bees is the bees  
themselves as their bodies are composed largely of air sacs, and are hairy.  
Their habit of expanding or contracting the cluster to form a communal, living, 
 thermostat enables them to cope with most temperatures, but the additional  
warmth coming through not overly insulated walls on cold but sunny days 
enables  the cluster to expand somewhat to gain access to stores that might 
otherwise be  out of reach.
 
Chris

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