Rookie 2 Posted February 11 Hi there, can colonies successfully winter with the Hive doctor bottom boards in freezing conditions? 0 to -5 degrees? Or would they get to cold? thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Trevor Gillbanks 5750 Posted February 11 They are fine. Heat rises. Cold falls. What part of that says ventilated floor will be a problem. And HD floor are only semi ventilated. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rookie 2 Posted February 11 Thanks for the reply. I understand the science, just curious for some feedback off someone who has personally wintered with them in freezing conditions. cheers Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sailabee 485 Posted February 11 1 hour ago, Rookie said: Thanks for the reply. I understand the science, just curious for some feedback off someone who has personally wintered with them in freezing conditions. cheers So your not really in Auckland? We don't really understand 'freezing' in a South Island way up here. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rookie 2 Posted February 11 2 hours ago, Sailabee said: So your not really in Auckland? We don't really understand 'freezing' in a South Island way up here. Do they successfully work in the South Island? Or is it easier for them to stay warm for winter in the wooden bottom boards? cheers Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sailabee 485 Posted February 11 I have ventured that far south but many commercials are using them so must be OK. Personally I have wooden bases with SS mesh ventilation without chill problems. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CHCHPaul 181 Posted February 12 I’ve got a couple and they worked well over last winter. The colonies aren’t as damp with floorboard ventilation and that makes them healthier and stronger. Beware the hungry rats though... they chew on the plastic! So I prefer my home made ventilated bases. Timber and SS mesh. Cheaper too. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Trevor Gillbanks 5750 Posted February 12 I have around 50 hives and they are all on HD bases. My bees have not had a problem Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nikki watts 473 Posted February 12 1 hour ago, CHCHPaul said: Beware the hungry rats though... they chew on the plastic! So I prefer my home made ventilated bases. Timber and SS mesh. Cheaper too. Yep. Rats love our HD bases 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Josh 298 Posted February 12 (edited) 9 hours ago, Rookie said: Thanks for the reply. I understand the science, just curious for some feedback off someone who has personally wintered with them in freezing conditions. cheers Global warming means I wouldn’t worry too soon up in Auckland. We we get cracking frosts in Canterbury, lots of mesh users Edited February 12 by Josh Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
