Winter is progressing and we are now more than half way to glorious spring. I have kept busy assembling frames and making sugar discs for feeding the hives this winter. The good news is that both my hives and winter nucs are still at 98% survival! Its reassuring to hear the hum emanating from the hive in mid-January. Also, if the nuc survival continues to be high I might just attain my goal of NOT having to buy any package bees this year!
There is still a lot of winter yet to go, but why is my hive survival surpassing all past years?
-After a rough start in October this winter has been milder (at least so far), which is helpful.
-Is it just blind luck or have my beekeeping inputs been a factor?
-I have kept the hives and nucs well stocked with emergency sugar. They have definitely been consuming it. There were no signs of starvation is the lost hive and nuc.
-Is my mite control process of the summer and fall playing a significant role?
-Is the fact that most all my hives and all nucs have mite resistant queens (primarily Purdue Mite Biters) a factor?
-Is the low average age of my queens a factor?
I will be spending the remaining two months of winter keeping my hives stocked with emergency sugar, keeping my fingers crossed and pondering the above questions. I wish I knew the answer.
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