wintering hives

[seaninis]

Good morning, bit of advice pls, I have a healthy hive which I presume will be starting to over-winter. do I continually feed it ambrosia (is there anything else I can give as food source??), how often should I inspect and to what level of inspection??
thank you. Sean

 

[drex]

"A healthy hive"- how do you know, other than by inspecting?
Sugar syrup fed at 2:1 strength (2kg sugar to 1250ml of water) is the cheapest form of food. However it is starting to get too cold to be feeding this, but a lot will still be doing so. An alternative that I use later in year for emergency feeding is bakers fondant.
My last full inspection was done a month ago, removing each frame to check for disease and stores levels. If I had to have a look, it would be a quick look, just removing crown board, but no frames.
"Continually feeding" - I feed according to need only.
I am now checking my hives by watching activity at the entrance and by hefting only.
Do you have any books on beekeeping. Are you a member of your local assoc?
Others may add more.
I note you live well north of me too.