>the factor I suspect contributes most to the health of feral colonies is
that they are not disturbed.<


> How about others on the list--do you have any observations
that either support or invalidate the hypothesis that lack of disturbance
increases colony survivability?<

Our bees are disturbed frequently.  I am a meddler, and fascinated by the 
comings an goings of the hive.  Our winter survival has been better than the 
average.  We had one winter with 100% survival and that includes nukes.
Dave

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