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Post by Pbenn77 on Feb 9, 2014 12:19:22 GMT -7
Me and my wife are very new to beekeeping, we had a lot of die off during the winter. We are trying to figure out when we should open the hive to check on then and if we should still be feeding them. We live in the Roseburg area. Any advise would be great.
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Post by JBJ on Feb 9, 2014 16:21:46 GMT -7
If the bees are flying it is probably ok to open a hive. Usually around 50 degrees and fair weather is a good rule of thumb. I would avoid disturbing the cluster to much. Make sure there is honey frames next to the cluster so they can access it even when it is cold. Overall stores can be assessed without open the hive with a simple heft.
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Post by eastsidebuzz on Feb 15, 2014 14:28:01 GMT -7
Dont rile them up in bad weather when it is raining. It is ok in the 50's and rain after dark.
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Post by motj3 on Feb 15, 2014 20:29:12 GMT -7
Yeah. They are straight up lovable in the rain after dark. They will literally die to get to know you.
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Post by drew on Feb 16, 2014 15:44:36 GMT -7
Dont rile them up in bad weather when it is raining. It is ok in the 50's and rain after dark. They really love when you check in the dark, and rain.  |
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Post by motj3 on Feb 16, 2014 19:03:15 GMT -7
For the OP, I had fifty degrees, no rain and light wind today. I opened mine and dumped more sugar on top of them. I am glad I did, some were out of sugar ala Mtn. Camp method. I like dry sugar on even on the heavy hives to soak up moisture. I also got a chance to pick the ones I want to split and make spring queens from.
You can always put your ear against the hive and knock to check for dead outs, mice etc. Then, heft for weight. There is no necessity to open unless you plan to feed something to them or treat for mites.
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Post by JBJ on Feb 17, 2014 23:04:34 GMT -7
Dont rile them up in bad weather when it is raining. It is ok in the 50's and rain after dark. They really love when you check in the dark, and rain. Always fun... at least then there is no "fly-back" for making up mating nucs(as long as you move them before its time to go to work). Just don't get them too wet. |
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