First Inspection

[Susan1]

I couldn't wait any longer. Had a very quick look at both my hives today. They had no fondant left so I gave them some.
I took the crown board off and had a quick peep - six frames of bees in both.
I only took one frame out of one hive for a very quick look and did see some brood and stores but did not look any further at either hive as its still too cold.
I hope I did the right thing by adding fondant at this stage, I feel it can't do any harm but would appreciate any advice.
The bees looked very happy and busy and even though I did not smoke them they were contented enough.

 

[CB008]

Giving a bit of fondant cannot do any harm and, if they are short of stores, will do some positive good.

 

[Hebeegeebee]

If they had plenty of stores they might not need fondant.

 

[itma]

Giving a bit of fondant cannot do any harm ...

... as long as the BB is not so full of stores that there's a shortage of comb for HMQ to lay eggs in ...

 

[Susan1]

There was lots of empty frames for brood.

 

[Midland Beek]

Well done for opening them up. I think the idea would now be to go through them on a warmish day. You do not have to spill the guts of a colony. Brood at all stages says a colony is queenright - no point trying to find the queen - and also make sure they have enough food.

I expect to remove my mouseguards next week or two.

 

[Chris58]

Opened the hive Monday, warm day here. Had bees on fondant but on checking, a lot of stores, eggs seens and lavae - capped and uncapped, so took fondant off.
Not as feisty (thankfully) as last year, but looking ok at present.