As has been pointed out, bees need room for breeding in the fall and
again in the spring. During the winter season there is no brood-rearing
in normal colonies which are adequately protected, and room for
breeding therefore is not essential during the winter. If the bees are
to have room for the proper development of colony strength, however,
they should have two hive bodies each of 10-frame Langstroth size by
about the beginning of April in most parts of the country, and earlier
in the South. In order that it may be unnecessary to open colonies
during a period of such unsettled weather as obtains at this season,
it is advised that the room for breeding be provided in the fall and
left with the bees all winter. To make this a safe procedure, it is
necessary to provide more packing than would be necessary if the colony
were provided with only enough room for the cluster and winter stores
during the winter. It has been found desirable also to leave more
stores with the bees than have been left by many beekeepers, and this
is additional reason for the giving of more room during the winter.
It is recommended, therefore, that in all parts of the United States
colonies of full strength be wintered in two hive-bodies of 10-frame
Langstroth size. They should, of course, be provided with abundant
protection and the entrances should be reduced.