MillerThousand AnswersBeekeepingQuestions.pdf - BioBees

THOUSAND ANSWERS 87A. Don't transfer in winter. Those box-hives most likely haveno bottoms; if they have bottoms pry them ofE. Turn the hivesupside down, put candy between or on top of the combs, and leavethem upside down as long as in the cellar. When I had box-hivesI wintered them upside down in the cellar.Feeding in Cellar.— Q. What time can bees be fed that arewintered in the cellar?A. Any time rather than have them die; but the feedingshould all be done before putting in cellar.Q. Is there any possible way of feeding bees in a cellar? Istores for winter.think some of my colonies are too short ofMy cellar is rather warm this year on account of a new furnace.I have a separate apartment for the bees with plenty offresh air, but it is still too warm at this date; the temperaturekeeps up to SS and 65 degrees. The bees are very quiet yet.I thought of giving each colony syrup separately in a sort oflittle tray so arranged that the bees could not drown. Would thebees come to get this syrup, or could it be given in some otherway? How and when could it be done so that half of the beeswould not rush out of the hives? My hives are put in two rows,one on top of the other, and all of the covers are off.A. With a big lot of fresh air for the bees you will likelyfind that they will winter well at SS or 60 degrees, although theywill consume more stores than at a lower temperature. Still, asyou say, the increasing cold will bring down the temperature.Better not let it get below 4S degrees.If I understand correctly, your hives are raised in front by1-inch blocks, and that makes a space of at least an inch and ahalf. That allows you to put a shallow dish of feed under theframes, and if your colonies are reasonably strong they oughtreadily to come down to the feed at SS or 60 degrees. If it ismuch colder than that and the colonies are rather weak, they willnot be likely to come to feed. Instead of the proposed wire screenover the syrup you may do better to cover the syrup with corkchips. You will get these from your grocer. He gets them aspacking for grapes in cold weather, and generally throws themaway.If feeding below does not prove a success, you can feed above.Edwin Bevins reports excellent success with lump sugar. Wet thelumps by sprinkling water upon them, but do not make them wetenough to dissolve the sugar. Then lay the lumps directly on thetop-bars over the cluster of bees.Feeding for Stimulation.—Q. I want information in regard to