What is happening in a winter cluster of bees? Beekeepers winter colonies and most of us don't realize the biology of the bees that we are trying to get through the winter. These two links I think explain the what is happening in the cluster and what temperatures are really in the hive. Most beekeepers think if we open a colony in the winter the bees will perish in short order. The graphic clearly shows that the hive temperatures about 9 inches from the cluster, drop to near outside temperatures. The temperatures are in centigrade and there is a Fahrenheit conversion in the charts graphic.
http://westmtnapiary.com/winter_cluster.html This site has a good explanation of honeybees. Check out the other articles on this website.
http://capabees.org/content/uploads/2013/02/winteringpdf.pdf
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picking up bees in California
This blog is for beekeepers in Northern climates. I will be describing what I am doing with my bees on a monthly schedule. Copying any text or photos is forbidden except with written authorization of the author.
Disclaimer:
This blog explains how I keep bees. It works for me, it might not work for you. Use my methods at your own risk.
Always wear protective clothing and use a smoker when working bees.
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What I am doing this month
- put supers on strong overwintered colonies
- Treat overwintered colonies for mites
- Add second box to package bees when ready
- Divide colonies
picking up bees in California
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About Me
- Jim
- Stillwater, Minnesota
- I have kept bees for 28 years and run 25 colonies. We have changed our business name to Bees and Honey LLC. We are still selling honey at our Stillwater location. Honey fills (still in Stillwater) anytime but please call