Betriebsweise & Überwinterung
The Concept of “Schieden” in Winter is Often Misunderstood! A Method by Damien Merit
What “Schieden” Means – And Why It Works Differently in Winter Than in Summer
In beekeeping, Schieden refers to the deliberate limitation of the brood chamber with partitions (Schieden) inside the hive. The aim is to adjust the space that the bees occupy and need to heat to the actual strength of the colony. Instead of providing the bees with the entire hive space, the usable area is reduced to retain warmth better and save energy.
In spring and summer, this practice is familiar to many beekeepers. However, the use of Schieden in winter and during transitional periods is becoming more common. Here is where misunderstandings often arise – because winter Schieden follows different rules than Schieden during the honey flow.
Especially the method by Damien Merit is often oversimplified or mixed with other Schied concepts. This leads to incorrect setups and unnecessary concerns, especially regarding potential feed disruption. In fact, it is a consistently thermally conceived overall concept.
Goal of the Method: Two Clearly Separate Zones
The aim of this method is to create a thermally stable, clearly defined brood chamber while also providing a separate feed chamber. Critical to this is the exact positioning of the partitions. Two defined zones are created: a thermally protected brood chamber and a separate feed chamber.
Structure of the Brood Chamber: Two Thermal Partitions as Lateral Boundaries
The brood chamber is bounded by two thermal partitions. These are positioned to the left and right of the brood chamber and each connects flush with the wall. There should be no gap between the partition and the wall, neither laterally nor above. This creates a closed thermal unit.
Important: All partitions must be positioned so that they cannot be circumvented by the bees from the sides or above. Bees can only cross the partition from below to reach the next chamber. Otherwise, the effect is lost.
The Third Thermal Partition: Clear Separation of the Feed Chamber
The third thermal partition bounds the feed chamber. It also stands wall-flush and clearly separates the feeding area from the rest of the hive with additional feed frames – or is, depending on colony strength, placed directly against the hive wall. This keeps the feed chamber defined without disturbing the brood climate.
Brood Chamber Size: Determined by Bee Mass
The size of the brood chamber is not determined by the brood area but consistently by the existing bee mass. The key is how many bees can continuously occupy and warm this space. The brood then develops within this preset area – compact and energy-efficient.
Thermal Partitions: Why Material and Construction Are Crucial
The thermal partitions used consist of extruded polystyrene boards (Styrodur), wrapped all around with double-aluminum coated bubble wrap. Styrodur provides excellent thermal insulation. The aluminum coating enhances this effect by reflecting the infrared radiation given off by the bees back into the brood chamber. This effectively reduces energy loss through heat conduction and radiation.
Feed Disruption: Understandable Concern, But Rare with Correct Setup
The connection between the brood chamber and the feed chamber remains at the lower area. Bees can access the feed without disturbing the brood climate. Practical experiences show: With properly set up brood and feed chambers, there is no increased incidence of feed disruption.
Where Problems Arise: Almost Always Due to Incomplete Implementation
Problems occur in practice almost exclusively where the method is not fully implemented: partitions do not reach the wall and can be circumvented. In these cases, the effect is lost – and the method is mistakenly perceived as problematic.
Note: This article does not describe the complete method. It is intended to highlight the key differences and encourage you to try the concept yourself (or to explore it further).
Conclusion
The method by Damien Merit is a consistently thermally conceived winter and transitional method. It works only when the space is adapted to the bee mass, genuine thermal partitions are used, partitions stand flush to the wall without gaps, the brood chamber is closed, and draughts are consistently excluded. A thermal partition is not a normal partition – and Schieden in winter follows different rules than in summer.
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