Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: beehappy1950 on January 15, 2023, 04:50:32 pm

Title: wintering bees inside in minnesota
Post by: beehappy1950 on January 15, 2023, 04:50:32 pm

My bees were supposed to go to California but didnt get picked up so today I checked and one is still alive. I am going to take it up to the old trailer house and try to keep it for the winter. Wish me luck. I am sure if it makes it for the next 2 months it will be pure luck. Anybody else keeping bees by putting them in a building? I see a canadian beekeepers blog where one guy keeps 1500 inside for the winter.

Title: Re: wintering bees inside in minnesota
Post by: G3farms on January 15, 2023, 07:42:10 pm

I saw an a website somewhere, they are using old chicken houses to keep bees in to over winter them. Climate controlled of course. Can not remember what state, somewhere in the north west.

Title: Re: wintering bees inside in minnesota
Post by: Ben Framed on January 16, 2023, 12:03:16 am

I have seen and heard Ian Stephler explaining there is so much humidity built up in his winter bee building that he has an exhaust fan set up to keep things in balance. He has Winter indoor Beekeeping down to an art.

I TheHoneyPump has it figured out just as well... He posted some 'good' pictures a few years ago of 'he and his' loading bees into their cozy winter bee building. Check it out in the search engine.

Phillip

Title: Re: wintering bees inside in minnesota
Post by: Michael Bush on January 17, 2023, 08:05:25 am

It is a tricky proposition to winter bees indoor.  It can be done and the results can be good or if not done right, the results can be disastrous.  If you really want to do it, study people like Ian who are succeeding at it.

Title: Re: wintering bees inside in minnesota
Post by: beehappy1950 on January 17, 2023, 12:56:09 pm

Yes Michael I have watched his blog and have learned a lot. I have a 14x70 trailer on my place which I plan to set hives in come spring that could stay there next winter. I would even like to see your place and bees. N
May have to catch a day and come see you.

Title: Re: wintering bees inside in minnesota
Post by: Michael Bush on January 18, 2023, 08:48:08 am

I keep thinking about trying it, but what I really need here, in Nebraska, is a refrigerated truck trailer so I can keep them inactive on the warm days.

Title: Re: wintering bees inside in minnesota
Post by: beehappy1950 on January 18, 2023, 02:38:26 pm

Michael, figure that might be a bit spendy. But maybe just a low shed that the bees could stay in year round and be able to close it up real dark for cold and stormy days.

Title: Re: wintering bees inside in minnesota
Post by: salvo on January 19, 2023, 12:55:13 am

Hi Folks, BeeHappy,

I have no experience with "housing" bees, but I think it could be problematic should the temps rise above 50 and the bees can't orient, cleanse, and return quickly.

A pal of mine a few years back:

https://youtu.be/6wrqG4DHPKE

Sal

Title: Re: wintering bees inside in minnesota
Post by: salvo on January 28, 2023, 04:15:48 pm

Hi folks,

Another pal, today:
Shed Experiment. 3 for 3 as of today?. Triple decker Nucs inside shed?. Only way out is through modified entrance. Hives are heavy and buzzing?. No bees inside shed flying around. Seams are sealed and I added a screen top observation portal.





Sal

Title: Re: wintering bees inside in minnesota
Post by: beesnweeds on January 29, 2023, 11:34:28 am

Quote from: salvo on January 19, 2023, 12:55:13 am

A pal of mine a few years back:

Sal

What's his overwintering success with TF basement beekeeping?