I over winter almost all my colonies the standard way in two boxes. Of course I am always running my own experiments on a limited number of colonies. Last winter I put through 20 singles which did as well as the doubles.
I also, just to see had 2, four frame nucs that I left for the winter. I was surprised when I saw them still alive in a late March warm spell. The nucs did die before Spring, but I know that it was due to starvation.
I still run my colonies in doubles ( winter can be harsh even in Southern Ontario) ...... but my experience is starting to tell me all that really matters is at least 3 frames of bees with plenty of food.
We had another local beek talk at our association. He keeps about 1500 hives in Ontario all in singles. When he was telling the group how he winters in singles, all the old timers were scoffing, ( dis-believing that any would survive ).
What I am starting to believe for cold climates is that 2 boxes is easier to ensure they have enough stores for winter....... but singles can work, just they are much more tricky and require more management because you have to have just the right mass of bees in proportion to honey stores, or they starve.
Topic: ABJ article (Read 4764 times)