Author Topic: How Cold is to Cold (Read 29932 times)

40 Acre Bees · « **on:** January 02, 2014, 05:36:03 pm »

Well here we are with the temperature down to about -18 C. My wife heard that another local bee keeper living close to us said there is no way the bees could survive these temperatures and moved his hives into the basement (his wife is not to impressed). We are very scared that we could lose them. The hives are wrapped well and insulated on the top. Is there really a point when it gets to cold.

Perry · « **Reply #1 on:** January 02, 2014, 05:42:58 pm »

If your hives were strong, and they have the stores, they'll survive. The hard cold will take out some borderline colonies.
I am betting that all 6 nucs are probably done for in this cold.

I would not be moving hives into my basement (LOL, you've seen it) and I like being married anyway.

riverbee · « **Reply #2 on:** January 02, 2014, 05:45:48 pm »

bees, in general are pretty cold hardy, and more so than we think and amazing. if you had a robust healthy hive and plenty of stores, don't worry too much about it. we lose them, there is nothing we can do in winter months, it's really all about what we do to get them ready for winter and prepare the hives for winter, wrapping, insulation, ventilation, wind break, etc.. with that said, we do all the right things and we still lose them. sometimes i will lose bees to 'cold starvation' in extended sub zero temps, where they won't move with feed so close to them. it's just part of beekeeping in a cold climate.

Riverrat · « **Reply #3 on:** January 02, 2014, 07:31:06 pm »

Bees are a lot hardier than the books tell us they are. Perry I wouldn't count the nucs out either.

LazyBkpr · « **Reply #4 on:** January 02, 2014, 07:42:30 pm »

-6 F here tonight.. looks like -14 F sunday night.. looks like its going to be a long winter.. I hear other beeks worrying besides myself, so Neither of us are alone 40Acre

rcannon · « **Reply #5 on:** January 02, 2014, 08:26:53 pm »

It's going to plummet down to 30 here tonight.

Jen · « **Reply #6 on:** January 02, 2014, 11:40:12 pm »

I would like to see a title in the spring, even a temporary title for posts called "Who's bees made it in below zero temps!"

riverbee · « **Reply #7 on:** January 02, 2014, 11:58:03 pm »

"I would like to see a title in the spring, even a temporary title for posts called "Who's bees made it in below zero temps!"

you start the thread jen! all will chime in even if they didn't have sub zero temps....lol!

LazyBkpr · « **Reply #8 on:** January 03, 2014, 12:52:35 am »

I'm going to be impressed if all mine make it for sure!

Jen · « **Reply #9 on:** January 03, 2014, 12:01:18 pm »

Good Luck Lazy. I'm pacing in front of my one and only hive ~

crazy8days · « **Reply #10 on:** January 03, 2014, 07:13:42 pm »

I too am worried. They are saying by Sunday evening/Monday we will dip to -20 with windchill -40. Praying..

LazyBkpr · « **Reply #11 on:** January 03, 2014, 07:25:24 pm »

Same here Crazy8.. I was afraid to look at the wind chill.. Wind right now is blowing directly out of the southeast.. unusual, and uncomfortable as its hitting the hives squarely in the front.. Not often the wind blows that way, just figures its when the temps are the nastiest they have been in 20 years.

rcannon · « **Reply #12 on:** January 03, 2014, 08:20:29 pm »

I wish all you folks good luck. Please be careful in those temperatures.

Finally Home · « **Reply #13 on:** January 03, 2014, 09:01:02 pm »

Quote from: crazy8days on January 03, 2014, 07:13:42 pm

I too am worried. They are saying by Sunday evening/Monday we will dip to -20 with windchill -40. Praying..

Same here. Bout an hour north of you. Not sounding good at all.

Slowmodem · « **Reply #14 on:** January 04, 2014, 12:00:48 am »

Here's a point to ponder. :-k

It's rare you see Canada compared to Mars........

40 Acre Bees · « **Reply #15 on:** January 05, 2014, 02:04:39 pm »

Well the temperature is above freezing today.. We went up and took a look at our hives, to remove the snow from the entrances and seen our first Bee poop. The girls are up flying out of the one hive, but no evidence of any life in the weaker hive. We are hoping for the best and at least we have some activity..... hopefully no more cold snaps like we had.

Perry · « **Reply #16 on:** January 05, 2014, 02:13:19 pm »

R and L:
Get down on your knees and put your ear right up against the sunny side of the hives, you will hear the bees inside. If not, a quick short rap with your knuckles should give you a sudden buzz that can easily be heard.
I checked a few today and the bottom entrances are iced completely closed.

Slowmodem · « **Reply #17 on:** January 05, 2014, 06:13:15 pm »

Inquiring minds want to know: Was Riverbee at the Packer's game today?

riverbee · « **Reply #18 on:** January 05, 2014, 08:41:05 pm »

LOL slow!!!! WAS NOT at that packers game, but did watch a little of it from my warm comfy home. i am not that foolish, and besides i don't care for football anyway!

the stadium was sold out, and sorry to see they lost to the california boys.....

, can't imagine how these guys play in this kind of weather?

blueblood · « **Reply #19 on:** January 05, 2014, 09:02:45 pm »

This is why I like feral bees. I believe they have adapted to the temps in my region over the years and do much better than pure Italian breed shipped up from warmer climates in the south. Just my opinion....hmmm, and maybe some common sense...