Allen Dick wrote:
>>> We had 11.5% winter loss last winter, while others lost up to 90%.
>
>> You did not report such a good success in he past... in your diary or
>> elsewhere...as far as I recall. What have you done diffently? Do you
>> mind sharing some?

I went back and looked at 2001 --
http://www.honeybeeworld.com/diary/2001/diary051701.htm -- and  see
22.4% loss as at May 22nd that year.

2001 was an unusual year, in that we split from about 3,000 up to 4,500
late in the previous July, using cells.  We had some problems with the
cells that led to some attrition in the summer and fall, and of, course
some of the probelms were wrapped.  Moreover, the later the splits, the
lower the likelihood of good subsequent winter success.

I attribute our good success, this year and other years, to not
disturbing the brood chambers after June, as well as following other
good and conservative practices.

allen
http://www.honeybeeworld.com

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