Christmas is fast approaching. Today is the 21st and it was 43 Degrees F.. It was cloudy and damp feeling so the bees were not out and about, but there have been many days that they were. It has been a very mild start to the winter.. That is both good, and bad. Good, that the bees have been able to get out and take cleansing flights, but bad in the amount of reserves they are using.
I went through them today, popping the covers, and found several hives that will need a new sugar cake within the next week. Due to the lack of resources they were capable of finding this fall, sugar is all many of them have. Looks like I will have to stay on top of it, come rain or - 50 degree temps and winds.. I usually manage to avoid getting into the hives for any reason during the winter, but if I want live bees in the spring, it looks like my fingers are going to get a little frost bite!
To this point, they are doing exceptionally well. With some grit and determination I hope to keep ALL of them alive through the next two or three months!
I'm hoping yall don't have as much a struggle ahead of you as I do!
Scott
I went through them today, popping the covers, and found several hives that will need a new sugar cake within the next week. Due to the lack of resources they were capable of finding this fall, sugar is all many of them have. Looks like I will have to stay on top of it, come rain or - 50 degree temps and winds.. I usually manage to avoid getting into the hives for any reason during the winter, but if I want live bees in the spring, it looks like my fingers are going to get a little frost bite!
To this point, they are doing exceptionally well. With some grit and determination I hope to keep ALL of them alive through the next two or three months!
I'm hoping yall don't have as much a struggle ahead of you as I do!
Scott