In message <[log in to unmask]>, 
Chris Slade <[log in to unmask]> writes
>I have had mine since 1999 and have had no wintering trouble.
>
>Chris (approx 50N, 2W)

Peter may have a point about location, but more likely it is that you 
are a long experienced guy and know what you are doing.

MOST TBH's in this area are owned by relatively inexperienced beekeepers 
who have been 'motivated' by relatively vociferous 'natural beekeeping' 
advocates they encounter in their local area who make statements that 
chime with the personal instincts of the beekeeper who then tries the 
system out.

Not very scientific I know, as we are probably not talking about more 
than 20 TBH's in total that I know of, but year on year the death rate 
runs at about 75 or 80%, and a couple of years ago 100%. Its the same 
75% or so this year, when the local loss rate in conventional hives is 
actually negligible. Been getting calls from these people wanting to 
restock for some weeks now.
-- 
Murray McGregor

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