TBHs in the Ukraine

[RDP]

I am a retired American living in the Ukraine and am interested in getting into beekeeping as a hobby. What I would like to do is start out with a couple of TBHs but am a little concerned about the winters here. Last winter it got down to about -30 C. Would the bees be able to survive a winter that cold? I was thinking about useing new 200 liter plastic barrels as my hives but am worried about the condensation as the winters are pretty damp. Any suggestions?

Bob

[ivashka]

ты по русский понимаеш? я живу США,до этова жил в Одессе.

[Michael Bush]

Long hives are traditional there...

[caticind]

Take a look around the area where you want to keep and see if you observe any honey bees.  If so, then it should be possible to get them through the winter. 

The best way to reduce condensation is to insulate the hive exterior, without blocking all ventilation.  In short, wrap your hive (whatever its type, barrels should be fine) in quilts or styrofoam insulation, and make sure an entrance is available near the top of the hive.  Hot air will rise within the hive, and the bees need to be able to move air around or else that hot air will condense its moisture out on the inner top of the hive.