Hi Ian & All, >Why would the wrapped colony not rearrange the stores during the >warm periods? > They would but not all the honey would be rearranged and if the next cold period last to long they will be left away from the rest of the available honey stores. >My point was that insulated colonies can withstand the cold long >weather better. They hold a losser cluster, covering more surface >space in the colony. > And eat more stores in the process, and can run out of stores before winters end. I beleive Tom Elliot concluded that is what happened to him last winter with one of his colonies he keeps. My point is that both ways will work but they will use more stores when insulated. Another point I made is Strain of bees used and quality of stores is the key to wintering successfully. . .. c(((([ Keith Malone Chugiak, Alaska USA Caucasian Bee Keeper [log in to unmask] Check out current weather in my area and 5 day forecast; http://www.wx.com/myweather.cfm?ZIP=99654 _________________________________________________________________ Browse styles for all ages, from the latest looks to cozy weekend wear at MSN Shopping. And check out the beauty products! http://shopping.msn.com :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::