Hefting

[Do224]

Having got my hives up to a decent weight by the end of September, I’m wondering how the weight should alter as the winter progresses…

Should they still be ‘nailed down’ now and into the new year or should they be beginning to lighten a little?

Presumably they should be getting pretty light by say March to allow the queen space to lay?

 

[Erichalfbee]

They should still be heavy. Mine are but not nailed down.
Mine don’t really get light by March and I usually need to take a frame of stores out at the end of the month which is when I usually look in.

 

[drex]

It depends on the type of bee and weather. The weight may go down quickly in some, slower in others. From mid Jan I heft each week, and if I get concerned in next month or two will give fondant

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

At this time of year, if I start worrying about hives and whether they're running short of stores...
I just pour myself another nobbler of malt (just received another two bottles from Santa today so I need to make room on the shelf)

 

[pargyle]

At this time of year, if I start worrying about hives and whether they're running short of stores...
I just pour myself another nobbler of malt (just received another two bottles from Santa today so I need to make room on the shelf)

We've already had the annual BBKA warning that some colonies are running out of stores !!! ROFL ... I can hear the rustle fondant being cut up !