Subject: Re: Open Mesh Floors/Large Entrances
Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 23:27:41 +0100
From: Erik Osterlund <honeybee@elgon.se>
To: BiologicalBeekeeping@egroups.com

Hi Dee

I don't normally winter weak colonies, but combine them into strong. Then
divide again in beginning of new season. If I winter weak colonies I
insulate a lot, often lift out frames at the sides closest to walls and put
in insulation frames, but still on two stories, get them higher up from
bottom. This gives smaller bottom area too. Important is to keep
ventilation through at bottom level. That means some netting, or open at
back on bottom, but much less then big colonies. Still tight top and well
insulated. Such colonies can develop well in spring. the problem with
colonies on fewer frames and that well insulated is the few number of
frames giving room for less food. In spring or a little later in season
they can be at risk running out of food if they develop well. Chalk is more
genetic than anything else. It can hit big colonies as easy as small, if
genetics is wrong. To get rid of it you have to have at least some colonies
that don't show it and breed from them and have some similar that give
drones somewhere you can mate those virgins.I've had an outbreak diminish a
lot in one year by just shifting queens. Followed up next year and just a
few mummies here and there next year to that. But I don't doubt the report
below. Climate and mangement as you say Dee play great roles too.

Best regards

Erik