> Although the effects of the outside temperature on the cluster were
reduced when the top entrance was closed, the bees were prevented from
leaving the hive on warm days. Periodical bee flights in winter seem to
make for a healthier colony.
Thanks for pointing this out Pete. I'm seeing three different phenomena
being conflated during discussions of winter "entrances":
- Whether bees "prefer" a top or bottom entrance. An upper entrance
without a lower intake ventilation hole will not promote much
thermosiphoning.
- Whether there are two entrances open to cause thermosiphoning of air,
with its negative, and possible beneficial effects.
- Whether the entrance is close enough to the cluster to allow winter
flight without the need to walk over cold combs.
Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
530 277 4450
ScientificBeekeeping.com
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