Peter Edwards mused: 'Is it better to open colonies under these conditions
[wet, windy, cold] and risk
> chilling brood to prevent swarming (hoping that this will ultimately
result
> in a better crop when/if the weather improves), or should I sit at home
and
> let them get on with it?'

If we are looking to improve current definitions  of good beekeeping
practice [in order to attract more people into beekeeping], surely we have
to promote regular inspections for swarm preparations - or more beekeepers
will only produce more swarms and restrictions may be introduced.  So there
really is no choice - we have to find ways to look, even in bad weather.
Once again, the problem then becomes, how can we improve equipment so that
the task is easier.
I realise that some beekeepers cannot envisage that the conventional tiered
hive [National or Langstoth] can possibly be improved on - they should read
no further.  The Long Deep hive does however offer help here [and in other
ways]. All brood combs are deep, and at one level - so there is no upper
brood box to lift off that would expose the centre of the nest to cold - all
u have to do is lift off the single layer of honeyboxes.    The box is long
enough for the combs to be parted horizontally within the box without
lifting them up into the cold wind.  If queen cells are there, the prominent
ones on the comb faces show up.

Robin Dartington

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