Jacket on or off?

[nightshade]

I made two polystyrene jackets for my new nuc and caught swarm which I obtained end of summer last year..

Despite a bit of dysentry and a blowing over both are still here and active....I haven't inspected yet and don't plan to for another few weeks...mainly due to fact I need to move them temporarily whilst I put 18m of drainage on site..

They haven't bothered with fondant over winter...probably cos I overfed them in september due to my newness...

Should I risk taking jacket eke feed and insulation off yet??? Or are we due more snow?

 

[Karsal]

If your not going to inspect them for a few weeks then leave the insulation on. They will be warm and cosy inside. They regulate the temperature inside the hive themselves.
You could leave the fondant on for now and if they have plenty of stores when you first inspect take it off then. You may find they start to consume it and if plenty of pollen begins to be gathered the queen will lay more.

 

[Beefriendly]

Should I risk taking jacket eke feed and insulation off yet??? Or are we due more snow?

You could try look at the long range weather Forecast for your region and make an informed decision.
The long range for my region is giving 16 and 17C for a few days next week. I'll believe it when I take my winter woollies off.

 

[nightshade]

Thanks karsal. ..was a bit concerned about them getting used to the extra insulation...but will leave alone for now!

 

[nightshade]

Lol...I know what you mean bee friendly. ..I've been trying to put the spuds in for the last three weeks...they went in yesterday regardless!!!...but i need my coat and waders today!

 

[mickbees23]

Ne'er cast a clout till May be out..!

 

[nightshade]

Lol...very apt mickbees! !..should've remembered that one!

 

[john t]

Ne'er cast a clout till May be out..!

i believe the reference is to the mayflower of the hawthorn and not the month

 

[mickbees23]

i believe the reference is to the mayflower of the hawthorn and not the month

That's correct.

But these days most folk in the towns and cities have no idea what a hawthorn in flower looks like, me, I prefer to go by when I can smell it in the air, that is when the temp is high enough for it to produce nectar

 

[madasafish]

Ah spring: the sound of hives roaring as they evaporate moisture and the smell of hawthorn nectar...

At least two weeks away here..

 

[Erichalfbee]

i believe the reference is to the mayflower of the hawthorn and not the month

Yes. Ne’re cast a clout till the May be out would be more accurate

 

[Beefriendly]

when I can smell it in the air, that is when the temp is high enough for it to produce nectar

About a couple of days every 5 years or so in this area

 

[beeno]

i believe the reference is to the mayflower of the hawthorn and not the month

Thankks did not know that. Not far to go here then.