Thanks; yes, he has a good collection to watch.
OK, in this video he demonstrates how significantly stronger his units are in 15-frame hives vs. 10-frame hives.
Just the ergonomics of the longer hives somehow affected the strength of the colonies going into the winter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryeFJOi2VEQ
15-frame hives are from the reeds (so these are indeed Dadant long hives - 15 frames).
10-frame hives have foam walls and top/bottom from the reads (he later reported that bees have been chewing on the foam walls - so that is a problem).
Maybe the foam vs. the reeds is part of the equation too.
For sure natural, healthy material vs. whatever chem substance could be a consideration.
Bees chewing on the foam is often said an indication of them being irritated by the material (not exactly good indicator).
I myself have an issue of bees chewing on the XPS inserts in the covers, if they can get to them.
The worst part - those XPS shavings are now all over inside the hives - that the micro-plastic pollution all over the burlap inner covers (maybe even in the honey/bee bread; who knows now).
I like this idea of the bottom from the reeds (the eco-floor thing).
Actually, the reeds could also be inserted inside the covers, to replace XPS.
Hmm, I actually have lots of reeds nearby, a whole swarm of the reeds; maybe should do a test run.
PS: in the comments' section someone stated
- they do very similar hives but from straw (due to lack of local reeds)
- very, very happy with the straw hives;
- mice are not an issue that they noticed;
- cool in summer;
- warm in winter;
- small weight;
- one time project - constructed a straw press so to make the panels.