Chris and all - this time of year has been un-seasonably warm here in the North Carolina mountains until last week.  There have been almost no blooms, though, due to the lack of rain.  Last week we got some much needed rain, and now it is more brisk outside(low 20 degrees Fahrenheit) - so the bees are staying in their house more now. 
 
         This brings me to another point: as a new bee keeper, how do you, or do you check the bees during the winter? 
Thanks - Tim 
 
-----Original Message-----
From:   Christopher Slade [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
Sent:   Wednesday, December 16, 1998 7:12 PM
To:     [log in to unmask]
Subject:        Re: bees in the chicken feeder
 
It sounds as if your son's bees are after protein.  Are there any plants
yielding pollen close by at this time of year?  Were bees carrying powder from
the chicken feeder in their pollen baskets?
Chris Slade