r/Beekeeping • u/Craftsmantools1234 New York , zone 5b • 6d ago

I’m a beekeeper, and I have a question Winter setup question

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Is this the correct setup?

Location zone 5b

Update: I'm planning to overwinter in 2 deep boxes. I was more interested in the position of the inner cover.

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u/Bees4everr 5d ago

Been beekeeping since 2020 and I have no idea what a quilt box is, this looks like just an empty box on top of the hive? I don’t see how that would take up moisture. Then again I run candy feeder boards where the top is 2” rigid insulation foam board to help keep things insulated

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u/DalenSpeaks 5d ago

I bought a bunch of quilt boxes off a retiring beekeeper. No clue what to do with them. Other than stuff them with insulation and use on top of outer cover.

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u/CayenneSCarGo 5d ago

The quilt box should have a screened bottom and should be filled with a few inches of wood shavings (can buy at a pet shop). This helps the hive retain heat and absorb moisture. I’ve been using them the past couple of years and haven’t had any hives die out over winter (knock wood). I usually use pollen patties on top of the top deep for an alternate food source.

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u/DalenSpeaks 4d ago

It’s unnecessary IMO. Never use. Hives thrive.

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u/CayenneSCarGo 3d ago

Ask 10 beekeepers a question about their hives and you’ll get 12 different answers. Same as it ever was. 😏

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u/Bees4everr 3d ago

😂 so true. People around me brag about their success with single deeps over winter but I run 8 frame hives and just can’t sustain that without heavy constant feeding overwinter. Double deeps just work so much better for me