That was fascinating. I had no idea you could manipulate those packages like that. I'm in Alberta and don't intend to ever order packages but I sure enjoyed the idea you shared in this video!
Glad you liked it. Last year, I set up four 2 lb. packages like this in April, and all grew into production colonies by mid-June. I believe colonies grow about 1/3 faster in insulated boxes with no upper entrances - maybe someday I'll figure out a way to quantify that ....
Thanks for sharing. Question at the end when you put the poly top on the hive it looks light. To you put a weight on top or strap it down? I’m new to Alaska and new to insulated hives. Thanks
You're exactly right. I should have mentioned that it's best to always secure them with ratchet straps. We did that after I stopped recording. We get big wind at least once every year, 60 - 80 mph. Ratchet straps are cheap, and worth every penny.
They won't freeze, but they'll develop very slowly. You can help by using two layers of Reflectix as an inner cover. Watch my video titled My bees were really cold - in a poly box! It talks about insulated boxes, but gaps between boxes and under the inner cover are also a problem for wooden gear. At about 3:40, I show my Reflectix inner covers. ua-cam.com/video/M0tgJuFNLzs/v-deo.html
That was fascinating. I had no idea you could manipulate those packages like that. I'm in Alberta and don't intend to ever order packages but I sure enjoyed the idea you shared in this video!
Glad you liked it. Last year, I set up four 2 lb. packages like this in April, and all grew into production colonies by mid-June. I believe colonies grow about 1/3 faster in insulated boxes with no upper entrances - maybe someday I'll figure out a way to quantify that ....
Thanks for sharing. Question at the end when you put the poly top on the hive it looks light. To you put a weight on top or strap it down? I’m new to Alaska and new to insulated hives. Thanks
You're exactly right. I should have mentioned that it's best to always secure them with ratchet straps. We did that after I stopped recording. We get big wind at least once every year, 60 - 80 mph. Ratchet straps are cheap, and worth every penny.
I'm getting my bees this weekend, f I don't have a polystyrene box and top, just wood, is that enough to keep the syrup from freezing? (Kasilof)
They won't freeze, but they'll develop very slowly. You can help by using two layers of Reflectix as an inner cover. Watch my video titled My bees were really cold - in a poly box! It talks about insulated boxes, but gaps between boxes and under the inner cover are also a problem for wooden gear. At about 3:40, I show my Reflectix inner covers. ua-cam.com/video/M0tgJuFNLzs/v-deo.html