Use a VIVALDI BOARD to overwinter bees!

I think I found the perfect solution for overwintering my bees... Vivaldi Boards! This might not be a necessity if you live in a warmer climate, but in New England, we have cold, snowy winters that last 5-6 months. This thing will solve the moisture, ventilation, and winter feeding problems I will face in the coming months.

In this video, I give a basic rundown of what Vivaldi Boards are and how they work. Then I install one on my Flow Hive.

THIS IS NOT A SPONSORED VIDEO. I originally bought my Vivaldi Boards at Brushy Mountain, which is out of business. I recently received a message from the family of the inventor of the Vivaldi Board and was told they have started making them again here:

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[bonnied]

Bought these recently after seeing this video. Love the design. Treating the outside with Shou Sugi Ban burning & then linseed oil. Then will install. Seems like it will make winter feeding So much easier!

[mileawayhoney]

No wood chips on top of the burlap? Maybe use a insulation foam boards for insulation above the burlap?

[HollyHaeseler]

Dang, they're out of business now (Brushy Mtn). These look fantastic actually. I'm in a much warmer climate (SoCal) but this past winter was unusually wet and cold enough that I wouldn't open my hives, so this is a great option. My question is: how long would that amount of fondant last? For a single deep hive (8 frame) reduced for winter, would it last 3-4 months?

[tudley]

How did the burlap work? Still recommend it?

[larrytornetta]

I put my fondant patties directly on the top bars. As the cluster gets smaller and tighter from the cold, the bees might not be able to move up into the feeding area.

[BrandonsBees]

Those look pretty sweet. I may try those next year.

[lockdown]

Very nice product. Thanks for the heads up man.

[jcmac]

Nice video, didn't take long to find the fondant!!!

[NBSTL]

So just reading the controversy in the comments on yes/ no to the viv board use...How did it actually turn out and would you use them again or take that guys recommendadtion next winter instead.

[PvtCaboose]

I love the vids you helped me get into beekeeping, keep it up.

[smokeydops]

Thank you as always for the information :)

[jasonspaeth]

Im really enjoying your videos i watch every week you post. I'm starting a flow hive in the spring can you keep that vivaldi board on year round?

[jimhegarty]

More Great Videos!!! When I make fondant, it comes out hard. Your fondant looks pliable. Any thoughts on what I'm doing wrong?

[LearnToFlyWithPilotGuy]

I find myself wondering if moisture will condense on the bottom of the Vivaldi board (since it is cooler because of the cooler ventilated area directly above it) and drip on the bees like any traditional inner cover?

[katewagner]

Hi, maybe you or someone can explain. What is the difference between a candy board and fondant? What are the +\- of using either?

[nolashadows]

got to ask, would it be better to use fondant all the time? It seems it would be better and last a lot longer.

[beezerk]

So does it also play 'four seasons'? Oh wait, that's Vivaldi... :")

[Stiwaters]

you made fondant to winter feed at some point. You made it yourself, was it marshmallow fondant?

[The_BeeBopper]

Physics! Condensation only occurs where warm moist air touches a cold surface. Remove the cold surface and condensation goes away!

Top ventilation in beehives is complete nonsense. If it worked then bees would not prefer to live in hollow trees usually with a small hole near the base. Look at the data from Tom Seeley and especially Derek Mitchell in the UK who has produced several peer-reviewed papers on the physics of bees, energy production and hive design.

Bottom line - the more insulation the better, all year round. That's why commercial bee farmers in Europe with poly hives get a 40% uplift in honey harvests over standard single-walled wooden hives.

[juleejames]

Are you going to put these on the 2 other hives?