Author Topic: Electric heating of colonies during spring weather (Read 8775 times)

Finman · « **on:** June 07, 2004, 04:50:06 pm »

I took into use electric thermo cabels in hives last year. Now I have in my every 18 colony electric heating. 15 W. They are terrarium heaters. http://www.reptilica.de/shop/product_info.php/cPath/22_25_38/products_id/35/lang/english/index.htm

4 colony was heated during all winter with 7 W heater.

Also I have feeded my colonies with pollen+yeast+ soya flour 3 months. Colonies are now in very good condition. Willows start blooming in Finland about first of May (1.5.). I started feeding about 15.3.

During summer a little one box colony makes 3 times more larvas than without heating.

Does any have experience from heating colonies?

Here you can see our weather. Now +7C and rain http://www.tiehallinto.fi/alk/frames/kelikamerat-frame.html

Robo · « **Reply #1 on:** June 07, 2004, 05:41:58 pm »

Finman,

How do you have the cables installed in the hive?

Anonymous · « **Reply #2 on:** June 07, 2004, 05:47:19 pm »

Quote from: Robo

Finman,

How do you have the cables installed in the hive?

It is on the floor of the nest. 3-4 m long cable. Queen likes to go down lay eggs to the bottom box. Very easy to use. Water resistant.

Anonymous · « **Reply #3 on:** June 08, 2004, 08:16:07 am »

I heated a hive all winter and a new package in the spring with a 15w light bulb under the hive. I had some problems with overheating the hive and some bees would leave the hive when it was too cold. The hive was very strong in the spring and I split it 3 ways. The package grew much faster also. The 7 watt cables would work better. Heating can work well, especially where it is very cold in the winters. I plan on heating several again this winter.

Anonymous · « **Reply #4 on:** June 08, 2004, 09:28:06 am »

Quote from: Anonymous

I heated a hive all winter and a new package in the spring with a 15w light bulb under the hive. I had some problems with overheating the hive and some bees would leave the hive when it was too cold. .

I do not keep heating under winter ball. It disperses the ball.
After "clean upp flight" ,as we say, I put heating cable into nest.

I had 2 frame colony and I put half a cable in the empty part of superb. It was really tiny. But now it has 2 superbs. It overwintered very well.

In Hungary they use 3W heaters during winter. So I have heard. When I tried 3 W, it was no use.

beemaster · « **Reply #5 on:** June 08, 2004, 10:00:21 am »

Finman:

I'm not sure if the last few posts in this topic were yours. Check to see if you are logged in, we cover logging in problems in the TECHNICAL SUPPORT FORUM - it can be a little tricky at first.

But if you are asked for your USERNAME and PASSWORD when you are posting - you ARE NOT logged in.

If this wasn't you in the post listed as "Guest" then to the guest, I'm curious what country you are from, you posts are interesting - thank you.

Finman · « **Reply #6 on:** June 08, 2004, 10:22:41 am »

Quote from: beemaster

Finman:

I'm not sure if the last few posts in this topic were yours. .

Yes, they are mine. Difficulties to see, when i am in or out. Sorry.

I have 2 computers, at my work this and at my home another, different IP-numbers.

beemaster · « **Reply #7 on:** June 08, 2004, 12:39:42 pm »

Finman:

The IP isn't really the issue - only time THAT would be in play is giving someone the BIG BOOT from the forum - which I hope will never have to happen here, this is the friendliest forum I have ever been a member of.

The software is just a little strange, requiring you (sometimes, but not always) to log-in twice, not recognizing your first attempt and THAT throws a lot of people off at first.

I think the best thing I can always suggest is to CLICK ON THE HONEYBEE IMAGE to go back to the main page rather than choosing back in your browser - and of course (if possible) click on REMEMBER MY USERNAME and PASSWORD option.

I don't opt to stay logged in at work because it is a multi-user computer and Windows 2000 (what the Federal Government here uses) is quirky in the multi-user department, although we have to log in individually.

So, glad to have you aboard again, I see a second Fin aboard just yesterday too - I've seen stranger coincidences, but you guys might be friends or neighbors! Also, another member from India :)

Believe me, I enjoy this forum every bit as much as everyone else here - I love the LOG-HIVE images from Sean Chan from Malaysia - they really stick out as the most interesting hives I have ever seen.