Double wall hives for the winter

[Jack Straw]

Does anyone double wall their hives for the winter
I have insulation above the crown boards but I was thinking about building a wooden cover for the hives. It would have solid wood front, sides, back and roof with a slot cut close to the hive entrance for the bees to leave and re-enter
It would be free standing and about 2 inches wider,taller, deeper than the hive and stand so it just lowers down over it and removes just as easily
The idea is simply to give an extra layer of protection from the elements - similar to a WBC but perhaps not as pretty - and also extra protection from the woodpeckers.
I would leave it on from about now until late winter but remove it just as spring is starting so the hive catches the early sun and they ready to go as early as possible
For the cost of a few sheets of marine ply and 2x2 I hope to get the advantage of WBC without the late start disadvantage
I am presumably re-inventing the wheel, has anyone done this - if so would you do it again?

 

[Itchy]

Make it of Kingspan/Reticel/Cellotex 50mm and leave on all year.
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00484-015-1057-z

 

[Thymallus]

Use the forum search and look for FAO DerekM.
Should answer some of your questions.

 

[Erichalfbee]

I am presumably re-inventing the wheel

You are....but make it out of PIR....celotex,kingspan,recticel. and you're on a winner

 

[charlievictorbravo]

Interesting thread on this subject from a month ago, but it got trashed towards the end by those who should know better:
http://www.beekeepingforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=35497&highlight=insulation

CVB

 

[Jack Straw]

Thanks

Thanks for your comments and the links to the earlier threads
Celotex tea cosy it is then!
(It'll be warmer in the hive than in my front room at this rate)
Cheers
Jack

 

[Thymallus]

Alternatively you could just buy yourself a poly hive rather than reinventing one.
Nahhh.......who would want to spoil all those evenings spend messing about in your "shed".

 

[Itchy]

I think I prefer insulated bonnet over wood hive.....my poly haves are easily damaged with the hive tool. It's a shame the bonnets are so ugly.

 

[Thymallus]

You could use a wood laminate over the top of the cosys so they look attractive.

I've not had problems with damage to poly hives with my hive tool. Had sheep nibbling them when I didn't fence the critters far enough away. I think they thought they were a salt lick.

 

[user 6228]

You could use a wood laminate over the top of the cosys so they look attractive.

I've not had problems with damage to poly hives with my hive tool. Had sheep nibbling them when I didn't fence the critters far enough away. I think they thought they were a salt lick.

We've had blue tits thinking the foil tape was a milk bottle top!

 

[Erichalfbee]

We've had blue tits thinking the foil tape was a milk bottle top!

I remember when they used to do that.