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Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology

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Subject:
From:
Bill Truesdell <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sat, 3 Sep 2005 09:23:06 -0400
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D. Murrell wrote:

>I find it a curious matter, that the idea that cell size/broodnest structure
>can affect bee behavior, is met with such hostility. When beekeepers share
>their small cell observations, and expect others to do their own sorting,
>the cries of Prove! Prove! are quickly produced as though the
>observations/results were fabrications.
>(snip)
>If someone has differing observations and experience, then bring them
>forward. Let's discuss them and sort the matter out.
>
I think, as I pointed out in my other post, that some larger scale
studies are needed. I have no idea why they have not been conducted. (If
they have been, then it would be nice to know.) As fas as differing
observations, both Bob and Allen posted that they did try small cell and
did not have the success of others. It could be that they did it all
wrong (which is another standard response). It could also be that they
have strong Varroa pressure in their area and that was the cause of the
failure. It could also be their bees. It could also be their location.
It could also be their (fill in blank here).

Reading the proponents posts (not yours) beings up some key questions
for me, especially in the bee selection process. As I said, I select for
bees that do well in my area.

With conflicting observations, even thought there are reports of
success, I would like a more dispassionate trial (which is why I value
your input. They are the closest to what is needed to date).

I have said many times on this list that there is something valid in
small cell beekeeping, but I still am not sure what it is. I got good
results for well over 5 years with 5.0, but not recently. It is
interesting that when I neglected my bees, because of my health, they
did poorly. Cell size seemed to have little effect. My beekeeping
practices had most of the effect.

There is a lot more good science out there on things like OA, with
proved success (I note that you use it), so which should I rely on,
especially if I had 3,000 colonies and it was my livelihood? I can try
many different approaches and trials (and have done so) and have no
problem betting the farm, because I do not have a farm to bet.

Bill Truesdell
Bath, Maine

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