The ideal text book configuration for wintering Warre Beehives is-
. A Two Box only configuration
. Turn the hiveboxes90deg so the comb is square onto the hive entrance rather than comb end on.
.The bees have ample stores of their own
Whilst most of our Warre Beehives we will configure as above, a few of our beehives we will do different.
You must also assess your beehives individually; any questions always call on our help line. Somebody told me this is probably the original natural beekeeping telephone helpline (not internet forum) and still unique in its openness and availability to all. So do please call.
So what are we going to do different- Two of our Warre hives have comb right down to the floor of the bottom hive box (Previous year the bees would beard if the bottom box was anything other than empty. Next blog I will tell you why this was possibly the case, but I want to check a few theories first)
The hives we are referencing were originally four boxes high (each box full of comb) and I have only harvested the honey in the top box, the Warre beehive remains heavy and I judge they have ample winter stores.
Therefore I will leave these beehives as a Three Box configuration (if the bottom box had been empty or only partial comb I would have removed it and wintered on two boxes) the theory being the broad nest is in the bottom box.
Also I am not going to turn the boxes, instead leave in the summer configuration. Reasons for this, the bee nest / colony in the wild would not change orientation and also I’m wanting greater ventilation to avoid the possibility of damp.
I will also put a slither of wood between the top of the quilt box and the Warre roof to aid the breathing (not ventilation) of the hive, again to avoid the possibility of dampness. I also have the beehive tilted forward by a degree or two so moisture can run out of the hive entrance rather than puddle on the beehive floor.
Finally over the next couple of weeks I will fit a mouse guard. Please do check these guards as they can become blocked.
Now, I am not too worried by a cold winter, the Warre provides the best warm environment of all available beehives. A cold winter is actually better than a mild winter. What we should wish for is a good Spring on-time with a gradual improvement in weather and temperature leading into Summer 2012.
Best wishes,
David
