Hi,
This is my second year with bees. First year I started with 2 hives and now I have 5. Both first year hives survived last winter with two deeps and a medium. I figured if that worked last year why mess with success. This winter all five hives were two deep and a medium (I have to say this winter has been brutal here in upstate NY, near Syracuse. We've had close to 175" of snow so far and many very cold nights, much worse than last year). Here's my setup..... all hives with reduced bottom entrance and a top entrance, solid wood bottom, ten frame lang hives, wrapped with bubble wrap insulation and tar paper over that, inside hive I put absorbent material "chux" between the telescoping top cover and inner cover to help with condensation. I also made some candy that I put into the hives last fall to serve as emergency rations if needed. I placed this on top of the uppermost deep box so that as time went by they would work their way up to the candy later in the winter. The candy is a sugar mixture that supposedly does NOT stimulate laying by the queen. Well, as winter went on I saw very little activity from the hives and I was worried they all died. They are in the back of our property (almost 8 acres) so I can get to them regularly to clear the bottom entrance of snow. We had a day near 60 degrees last week and I busted home after work to check the hives. I knew they would be active if still alive. I was pleasantly surprised to see all 5 hives with activity. One hive is not as active as the other 4 but it still had bees coming and going. The other 4 were quite busy. I think they all made it but I agree with an earlier post that we still have some more winter to get through. I am a little concerned for the weak hive but still thrilled they are all alive. :-D I should also say that last year we harvested about 50# of honey per hive via crush and strain. The honey was lightly colored with outstanding flavor. I creamed some of it using the Dyse method and my wife makes lip balm with the wax. We gave most of it away and are having a lot of fun. I think about getting more hives going but 5 is about all I can handle as one of my hobbies. I have to say my success is due greatly to my mentor (local beek) and also to this website. I've gained so much knowledge from many on here! THANKS :)