Post by roadrunner on May 6, 2013 8:05:50 GMT
After our last inspection I think that I can confidently state that 5 of our 6 hives have survived the winter, which equates to losses of around 17%.
Why better than average?
1. We live in Cambridgeshire where the weather was not as severe as other parts of the country.
2. Our hives are in a position where they get the sun and are protected from the wind.
3. We gave them Ambrosia this year instead of syrup so presumably they did not waste as much energy converting it for their use?
4. 3 of our hives are double walled WBC hives.
5. We treated them with Apiguard.
6. We put old carpet strips between the crown board and roof to prevent heat loss upwards, but gave them ventilation at the bottom to prevent damp.
6. We made no attempt to open them up until the temperature reached 17 degrees.
We would appreciate hearing how other members got on and whether they think any of my reasons above are valid or whether it was just good luck?
Why better than average?
1. We live in Cambridgeshire where the weather was not as severe as other parts of the country.
2. Our hives are in a position where they get the sun and are protected from the wind.
3. We gave them Ambrosia this year instead of syrup so presumably they did not waste as much energy converting it for their use?
4. 3 of our hives are double walled WBC hives.
5. We treated them with Apiguard.
6. We put old carpet strips between the crown board and roof to prevent heat loss upwards, but gave them ventilation at the bottom to prevent damp.
6. We made no attempt to open them up until the temperature reached 17 degrees.
We would appreciate hearing how other members got on and whether they think any of my reasons above are valid or whether it was just good luck?