From: grizzly bearnolds <mkittner@nisgaa.bc.ca>
Date: Sun, 13 May 2001 11:02:11 -0700
To: BiologicalBeekeeping@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: Regression Questions

>From: Barry Birkey <barry@birkey.com>

> > How do the smaller bees handle six weeks of deep freeze in a row?
>Erik, what was the longest period your bees were 'house bound' this last
>winter? I know Erik gets very cold winters too but his bees did fine.

Up here, I count summer's end with August 31. Falls are usually rained out
and cold, with only a few days here and there that are good. Bees can fly
usually up into 0ctober, but only for short periods daily.

I count my bees being "house bound" from early September on until some time
in April, that's close to eight months. I lost all bees the winter of 99/00
due to the extreme length of winter. I again lost all bees this past
winter, with one hive lasting until the end of March and the other until
April. Bees are kept successfully in this part of Canada, and I must learn
and catch up on how this is done.

I am hoping to apply new methods of keeping bees (thanks to the help
received from the people on another beekeeping list), and read with
interest the suggestions that come up on this list. To combat overwintering
problems has been my number one priority. To become a biological beekeeper
is my goal for the future.

We are located in the Pacific Northwest, a few hours below the Alaskan border.

Ma. / Nass Valley, British Columbia, CANADA
mailto:mkittner@nisgaa.bc.ca