Location in Winter - Is more sun better?

**Adam Foster Collins** · 10-19-2010, 12:59 PM

I'm wondering about sun on wintering hives.

I wonder if it is better to have hives in a sheltered location with some sun on them (yet still with good airflow) which might keep them more consistently dormant...

-or-

Is it better to put them in a place which gets as much sun as possible, meaning they might get quite warm at times during the winter?

Also, I have read that some beeks put an angled board over the hive entrances to keep snow away and to keep direct sun from beaming into the entrance and encouraging bees to fly in cold weather - what do you think of this?

Thanks,

Adam

**scdw43** · 10-19-2010, 01:18 PM

I can not give any advice, our climates are so different, but you might look at these articles.

http://www.pedersenapiaries.sasktelw...g_singles.html

http://www.pedersenapiaries.sasktelw...revisited.html

**valleyman** · 10-19-2010, 01:41 PM

I want mine as warm as I can get them. More days for cleansing flights, less poop in the hive. So full sun, facing South for me.

**Michael B** · 10-19-2010, 04:02 PM

I believe in northern climates like ours that winter sun in crutial. For many reasons I keep my hives in full sun year round and facing south. My opinion for winter is they need to break the cluster as many times as they can get for cleansing flights and feeding.

Full sun year round for me.

**Jack Grimshaw** · 10-20-2010, 06:29 PM

Agree with Michaefor the North. Full sun year round,dark hive colors; black,15# roofing paper in the winter.
Fry those mites.
Make sure you provide upper ventilation year round.

**Michael Palmer** · 10-20-2010, 07:57 PM

Originally Posted by Adam Foster Collins

Also, I have read that some beeks put an angled board over the hive entrances to keep snow away and to keep direct sun from beaming into the entrance and encouraging bees to fly in cold weather - what do you think of this?

What do I think of this? Ridiculous! As if the bees don't know what to do and when to fly.

**Adam Foster Collins** · 10-21-2010, 07:12 AM

Haha. Okay. Thanks Mike. I haven't seen it done much, but I thought I'd ask about it.

Adam

**alpha6** · 10-21-2010, 07:19 AM

Yep...full sun. But more important is a good wind block for winter.

**Jack Grimshaw** · 10-21-2010, 06:13 PM

Full sun can also help with Nosema.
See Control:

http://new.dpi.vic.gov.au/notes/agg/...-of-honey-bees

And see management practices,temperature:

http://www.scientificbeekeeping.com/...ask=view&id=56

**Michael Bush** · 10-21-2010, 08:23 PM

Full sun all year around has worked best for me and according to people I've talked to works best everywhere.

**Peter** · 10-23-2010, 07:53 AM

I have read that some beeks put an angled board over the hive entrances to keep snow away

Have to be a big board here to do that here. Typically our snowfalls tend to be 4"+ that come in horizontally with a following NE wind.