I have been following the recent thread concerning wintering.  I am attempting to winter 50 colonies in a shed.  As most of my beekeeping experience has been in Hawaii, I am in unfamiliar territory!

I am located in northern Minnesota.  Although we have had a warm winter, the bees haven't flown since November and won't fly again until late March.

Here are a few questions for discussion:

1. How long can the bees go without a cleansing flight!  I am not certain all hives have good access to the exit holes in the shed.

2. What is the optimum temperature.  The shed stays between 10 F and 35 F.

3. Honey consumption. I left around 100 lbs. per hive.

Another other comments or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,