should i be doing something??

[Peebels]

Hi all,

Hope everyone had a good Christmas and new year!

Just wondering if there is anything i should be doing with my bees??

They went into winter very heavy but i have been advised to feed them bakers fondant because of the cold snowy weather? Is this generally a good idea and where do i place it? On the crown board on the frames??

What about the Ox Acid treatment? Its currently snowy and cold here and i figured i should not really be opening the hive?

Any advice welcome.


P

 

[Finman]

.
If the hive has still food, let the cluster stay in peace.

 

[Peebels]

By food i take it you mean give it a lift?

Really silly question now! Given the cold weather and reduce bee activity, should one heft with or without bee suit?

 

[Grub]

Without a suit he means lift the hive up not feeding
just do it gently they wont even notice and put it down the same

Not a daft question thats the whole point of having a forum

Grub

 

[Heather]

I tried today - took a while to lift off the frozen base slab
Took advantage of the snow blocking the entrance so not followed by any bee. All seem ok, but quite a bit of evidence of uncapping under the hive so have fondant ready and will stuff some in when a little warmer to open. About 8" snow still, and more due Sat.... Trees are buckling under the weight - shame

 

[Peebels]

Would i be correct in assuming that uncapping = bee braking into stores??

I suppose my next silly question should be, what kind of weight am i looking for? They are in a standard national brood box! All frames were full at the start of winter and i remember it was very very heavy?

 

[northernsoul]

How can you actually tell from the amount of cappings on the floor the amount of stores actually used?

For example, how many cappings does one frame of stores produce?

 

[Peebels]

no, im just hefting, not peeking