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Sat, 8 Feb 2003 11:29:59 -0800 |
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Milt Lathan wrote:
>I am planning to open my (5) hives for the 1st time this year. This is not
>my first winter - but - other than clearing the dead bees and seeing
>whether they need feeding - What does a beekeeper look for?
>
Hi Milt,
I'm in your area. I'm at Hood Canal at sea level.
First . I'm just taking off the lids to look at the clusters.. If you
have wall to wall bees , lift
the back of the hive , to check for weight..
I would not break the box's apart yet. We still are clustered up. Allow
the bees to stay clustered.
If you upset them too much , you will cause stress in the hive.
What I look for right now , is hive populations. That will trigger me
for feeding.
Wait two more weeks before you start pulling frames. You want all the brood
that you have at this time. .
As far as what to look for, take a good look in the archives of the
Bee-L. You can write a book about it.
The simple side comes first. 4 frames of bees with a dry box. Moisture
is a big problem..
You will get more as the bees start using up more honey.
>
>Best Regards
>
Roy Nettlebeck
Tahuya River Apiaries
Tahuya Wa.
>
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