first inspection no brood or eggs

[Chorlton Honey Bees]

You don't need to open the hive to do that.
It is actually best to obtain a sample of older bees - foragers.

When the bees are flying for foraging (avoid peak orientation flight occasions), close up the entrance so the bees can't get in. Wait a few minutes and you will have lots of bees trying to get back inside.
Take your sample from those returning foragers.
And don't forget to reopen the hive entrance!

iagree: we need to not go in until it gets warmer lost heat and stress for the girls remember we could do more harm than good
be patient

 

[richardbees]

Weeze

It's still too early to worry - and good that they weren't aggressive, which I've always found to be the first sympton of Q-
have another look in a week or two but duggest wait til +13c

 

[Weeze]

update. beautiful day here and took a look.
the queen is back laying with lots of sealed and unsealed brood.
they finished all the syrup too

thanks again for all your help and advice

 

[straightman21]

The BEST bit of advice I have ever had, from a beekeeper of 50 years standing was: "give it a week"
It has done me more good, and saved me from making mistakes more than anything else I've ever been told in beekeeping!

 

[oliver90owner]

Unless the problem is occupied queen cells! And I could think of a few others, but certainly stepping back and considering all the options is a very good idea.

 

[BeeJayBee]

but certainly stepping back and considering all the options is a very good idea.

... and it gives you time to put some frames together, if you've been caught out.