Peter Detchon asked:

> given your prediction and your explanation of the cause, do you embark on 
> a protein/fat feeding regime to build up your winter bees, and if not, why 
> not?

I do not.  This is some thing that has never been necessary in the past and 
I am reluctant to start now.  I am gradually converting all my stocks to 
native bees (A.m.m.) as they seem better able to cope with these conditions. 
Most failures last winter were down to poorly mated queens - and native bees 
are generally able to mate satisfactorily under more adverse conditions 
(last year we had a batch of queens mate during October).

I also feed very sparingly - on average 6kg of fondant per colony - and 
treat for varroa using only thymol crystals during August; all part of a 
selection process for bees that are not totally dependant on me for their 
survival.
Best wishes

Peter Edwards
beekeepers at stratford-upon-avon.freeserve.co.uk
www.stratford-upon-avon.freeserve.co.uk/

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