What to do with a weak colony?

[maddydog]

Whilst treating with OA dribble 3 weeks ago I noticed one of my colonies was a little light on stores. Also there were far fewer bees compared with the three other colonies I checked that day (4 frames to 8).

The weak colony were fine during the summer but they stored far less of the thymolised syrup I gave them in the Autumn than my other colonies and they subsequently went into winter a lot lighter. I've seen no signs of disease and the varroa count has also been low.

I visited the hive yesterday with some fondant and extra insulation. Unfortunately as I lifted the roof the crownboard came away with it. The bees now covered only two frames - however it was a much colder so they were tightly clustered.

The colony next to them is probably my best. It's my intention to attempt to raise some queens from this hive so I'm wondering what to do with the 'weak' colony as I don't want a flood of poor genes.

Is it best to let them die out or I could swap them to another apiary in the Spring and nurse them there?

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Wrong time of year to make a judgement of this kind - you will see colonies down to 3 or 4 frames at this time weak in comparison to stronger colonies maybe but no less viable, just keep them fed and secure and make the decision in the spring - don't write them off

 

[REDWOOD]

I would put in the inspection board nearly all the way and put some insulation between the crownboard and roof

 

[maddydog]

As I suspected the colony was doomed.

Visited today to check the fondant level and saw (through the hole in the crownboard) no activity and dead bees in between the frames. Pulled the hive apart and very few bees were present, no sign of the queen either and no QC's.

First colony I've lost, guessing it won't be the last

 

[dn170221]

As I suspected the colony was doomed.

Visited today to check the fondant level and saw (through the hole in the crownboard) no activity and dead bees in between the frames. Pulled the hive apart and very few bees were present, no sign of the queen either and no QC's.

First colony I've lost, guessing it won't be the last

Sorry you lost them. Hopefully your stronger hive you want to breed from gives you hardier stock!

 

[itma]

Be sure to close up the hive (to prevent robbing - and thus spreading anything) until you can deal with the situation properly.

 

[maddydog]

Be sure to close up the hive (to prevent robbing - and thus spreading anything) until you can deal with the situation properly.

Heh already on it: boxes, floor, crownboard scorched. Stores frames uncapped and emptied in warm water. Just waiting for a delivery of acetic acid before fumigation.

 

[maddydog]

Sorry you lost them. Hopefully your stronger hive you want to breed from gives you hardier stock!

Thanks.

Yeah hoping the other colony builds up nicely so I can do some splits. Saw the land owner today and he's happy for me to have more colonies so that's something