Having been reading the BEE-L postings for a little while, and finding the notes interesting, I haven't felt compelled to contribute my two cents worth, until I read this article. >The suitability of plastic frames for wintering is an issue that has >been raised by some beekeepers (non-users). Personnally I have not >really tested them yet. I have seen pictures though of beautiful strong >colonies, all on plastic, in a Alberta wintering yard with plenty of >snow surrounding them. Plastic frames are a new thing in my area. I was >the first to introduce them in Quebec two years ago. So nobody really >has a good experience with them. I thought I might take the opportunity to respond to the question, as the pictures John-Pierre spoke of where probably of my hives. We currently have 1300 colonies wintered outdoors in three standard supers with approx. 30% pierco plastic frames in the brood nests. We have been using them in the brood nests for three years, with no noticable difference in wintering ability. As the plastic frame is "open", there is no cold sink areas. As Kerry mentioned, at the panel discussion in Portland, the question of wintering was raised, also the question of coloring the plastic was spoken of, with the understanding that it may be helpful in wintering. Pierco is offering coloring, but I am not sure on what differences it would make. If possible I will be more than happy to answer any question I can on Pierco. Tim Townsend TPLR Honey Farms RR1 Stony Plain AB [log in to unmask]