Hive inspections

[Etton]

With the milder weather has anyone started with their first inspections (& if nadired removed the bottom box)?

 

[Poly Hive]

It's certainly not warm enough for opening up brood frames here.

Temp today maxed at 11 but the wind took it down to 9. Bees were popping in and out but nothing like full flight.

PH

 

[Curly green fingers]

14c here today very busy hives pollen and orientation of new girlys..
But still to early for me I want there to be abit more forage around and temps a bit more stable at night
Pulling frames out is only going to create them work when there's no need.
This might be different for folk in lower clims.

 

[Funny honey]

14c here today very busy hives lots of pollen .
But still to early for me I want there to be abit more forage around and temps a bit more stable at night
Pulling frames out is only going to create them work when there's no need.
This might be different for folk in lower clims.

I wouldn’t open a hive yet and I’m in Cornwall

 

[Curly green fingers]

I wouldn’t open a hive yet and I’m in Cornwall

Ay and it's the tropics down

 

[linoleum bonypart]

Silly season started

 

[Curly green fingers]

Silly season started

To be old and wise
First you must be young and foolish ... Anyone for a game of hop scotch..

 

[Murox]

Is that the warm weather of 11C with wind chill down to 8C ? No wet stuff as such but far to cold to open up. I have a few bees poking their heads out, another hive I observe from time to time right at sea level and more sheltered were flying for cleansing purposes.

 

[madasafish]

I can do as much inspection as needed by looking at the varroa board, hefting and peeking through the CB, whilst looking at bees coming/going in warm weather..

 

[Poly Hive]

When I heard the weather people talking about this short warm spell I wondered how long it was going to take before this discussion started.


It's simple really. Its a warm blink in mid WINTER.

If you can't resist then don't, get after it, pull them apart. Then live with YOUR REGRETS and know that when you post up your sob story a lot of people will be laughing at your stupidity.

That's it really. Being blunt.

Leave them alone. Sit on your hands because by doing nothing you are giving them the best care you can. Remember you are the servant, not the boss you think you are.

PH

 

[Finman]

Early inspections...
- food enough for next month
- normal laying, drone layer, queenless?

 

[Hivemaker.]

Its a warm blink in mid WINTER.

Exactly, another month and a half before spring even starts.

 

[Cuckmere couple]

ah, ok...i will leave them alone then

at our association meeting last tuesday i was surprised how many experienced keepers had already done inspections

 

[B+.]

To be old and wise
First you must be young and foolish ... Anyone for a game of hop scotch..

I'm too old for such games! ;-)

 

[Eyeman]

NBU advises:

Many early spring days in March are warm enough for full inspections but conditions and geographic variation will dictate a suitable time

 

[Eyeman]

I can do as much inspection as needed by looking at the varroa board, hefting and peeking through the CB, whilst looking at bees coming/going in warm weather..

Debris on the stick board cna give useful info on the state of the colony and how it's developing. No debris suggests they didn't make it and I would do a quick check and if confirmed sort the combs out before mould sets in and decide if I can reuse the combs.

 

[Finman]

.
What heck is full inspection?

Floor debris tells often that worker rearing is on.

Every month there are different reasons to inspect.

 

[mike99]

The hive is bearding during the day and they seem to be bringing in Snow Drop Pollen. The Inspection board has cappings in a line down the centre. I need to keep an eye on it though as there were a few spots of cream coloured residue. I have tried to google what it is without success. Doesn't seem to fit Nosema.
Also, would it be ok to remove the mouse guard? there is a restricted entrance and I have raised it up so far.

 

[Ian123]

Ive just lifted the lid on a nuc down here and found they have built comb in the fondant bag above crown board. This nuc was also the cut out i did from a large Yew in october, tough little buggers and may put a myth or 2 to bed

 

[Poly Hive]

My mouse guards are staying firmly on. Mice may well be lured out in the warmth and when it turns cold again in what 3 or 3 days they well could be looking for a new home..... hint.

PH