Is this normal?

[Leigh]

Sounds like there is still enough room in the brood nest for new brood - good that they haven't been fed to choking point. If you get the balance wrong, there is always the back-up plan of feeding fondant if they get light in winter/spring.

Icing sugar wouldn't be a bad idea - you need as much as to cover as many bees as possible, administered through a seive.

I'm hoping there are plenty of adult bees - these will be needed to keep the new brood warm - HM can only lay as much as there are bees to cover/feed etc.

However you do it, it looks like you'll have to keep a close eye on this lot. Fingers crossed it all pays off.

 

[Skyhook]

OK, latest update. I've taken the apiguard off, and removed the entrance block to let fresh air in. Interestingly, the daily drop having fallen from 90 to 45, todays was 117- I guess due to me having shaken them off during yesterday's inspection. I sugared at the same time, so will see what that brings off in the next 48 hours, then take the floor out again.

Oh, and when I opened them up, they seemed to be feeding more eagerly- don't know if that signifies anything?

Keeping everything crossed, and hoping the stork now brings me some E, L and B.

Just a thought, re Finman's comment about queenless colonies going through winter from July- If she doesn't lay any more, will the last generation not automatically become winter bees by virtue of not having fed brood?

 

[Repwoc]

If there's no or very little sealed brood, is it worth considering an OA trickle now?