Hi Reese ...
 
On Mon, 9 May 1994 20:45:03 -0700    Reese Burnett <[log in to unmask]>
asked ...
 
> I am a novice beekeeper and have a hive which is weak as evidenced by
> very little foraging activity. I have been feeding syrup for the past
> four weeks and they have consumed about three quarts so far.  I have
> not opened the hive for examination as I feel it would risk chilling
> them if it is a small colony. There is no external sign of illness and
> they were medicated with fumadil, tetramycin and Apistan strips the
> past fall.
 
> The foraging activity I do see includes bees bringing in pollen, which a
> friend believes is an indication that a queen is present in the hive. Can
> someone comment on this?
 
> Reese
 
On Mon, 9 May 1994 23:05:29 -0500
Jim G. Shoemaker <[log in to unmask]> advised to visit
 
> Hello Reese:
 
> If the bees are foraging I would suggest that it is warm enough to open
> and inspect the hive.  Inspection will tell you if you have enough bees
> to be a viable colony or if you need to introduce additional bees or
> brood to the hive.
 
> Jim Shoemaker
 
Okay Jim, rapid inspection could be made at this time.
 
When you have feed a colony to increase his activity, don't forget
that eggs layed by the queen will give foragers only the next month :
you must wait 30-40 days to *see* the outer difference.
 
N.B.  With the *view frame* from PASCHKE I speak about earlier you can
see the inner difference without to open the hive !
 
Jean-Marie                     [log in to unmask]