BUCKS COUNTY BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION

Bees were flying today, so they made it through the last week of cold weather.  Looks like Wednesday is going to be close to 50* so I’ll take that opportunity to crack the hive and make sure they have enough stores.  I’ll probably feed them regardless.  Better safe than sorry. 

yes - I will be too.  I saw them flying today.   I think Sunday /Monday may be good too.  https://www.weatherbug.com/weather-forecast/10-day-weather/buckingham-pa-18938

Yesterday I opened one of my hives to confirm that it is a deadout. It was weak (low population) going into the winter, so I was not surprised. Below is a photo.

The bottom super had three frames of dead bees and there were some half-full frames of honey on either side. I did feed them earlier, but the winter patties were pretty untouched on top. There was not much honey in the upper super.

My other hive seems active and strong. However, the brood is shifted to one side (also photo attached). Should that be a concern?

Some of my stronger hives were flying this past Tuesday at 42 degees.  They were visiting my pollen feeder and water.  I also fed all of my hives, insuring the food was touching all the clusters.  Also cleaned out front bottom entrances from dead bees using a chopstick.  My bees were mainly using their upper entrances. I am happy thus far with all 27 of my hives still alive.  I think the black Bee Cozy wraps have helped the bees stay warmer.  I also stapled strips of silver colored insulation wrap on the bottom back of my hives where the gap is between the screened bottom board and the plasic insert. My front and top entrances are also reduced.

Congrats on the survival percentage!     I had hives blow over several years ago in a storm and they survived too- I swear they got more spicy afterwards!