Perone Hives

Cj Sloane wrote:Hubby convinced me to try again but I decide on Langstroth hives so I could split if things looked good. Seems more resilient.

So this totally worked out! I started with a nuc and split 2x and all 3 made it thru the (mild this year) Vermont winter. Splitting really helps them get ahead of varroa.

I really like the Perone style of bee keeping, and I think I will be managing at least some of my Langs this way, not messing with the "sacred bee space" except that I will continue to do splits. Perone's bees were varroa resistant and so didn't have to worry about them making it thru winter.

I may try to repopulate the Perone with my survivor stock tho I think it may take a few years to get stock strong enough for such a hands off hive.

I have (had) 2 hives, both home-built. My Warre hive didn't make it, but my Perone hive did. I have only been trying to keep bees for a couple of years. In contrast, 10 minutes from me is a bee keeper with 30 years experience using Langstroth hives. He lost all 10 hives this year.

Todd Parr wrote:In contrast, 10 minutes from me is a bee keeper with 30 years experience using Langstroth hives. He lost all 10 hives this year.

Just wondering, did he treat his hives?

Cj Sloane wrote:

Todd Parr wrote:In contrast, 10 minutes from me is a bee keeper with 30 years experience using Langstroth hives. He lost all 10 hives this year.

Just wondering, did he treat his hives?

I don't know honestly. I'll ask next time I see him. I don't treat mine.

He didn't treat.