Chris,
 
    You mentioned a sickly smell from your hive.  I am afraid that you may
    not like what you find inside.  The sickly smell could be the result of
    decaying brood caused by a bacterial disease, American Foulbrood or
    European Foulbrood.
 
    I suggest you contact your local inspector, Provincial or State Apiarist,
    or an experienced beekeeper nearby that can help you.
 
    You may also refer to beekeeping books such as 'The Hive and the
    Honeybee' by Datant & Son, or ABC & XYZ of Beekeeping by the Root Co.
 
    For a comprehensive, photographically enhanced booklet, you may wish to
    purchase 'Honey Bee Diseases & Pests', published by CAPA (Canadian
    Association of Professional Apiculturists) for US$1.35 /copy.  To order,
    you may contact Dr. C. Scott-Dupree ([log in to unmask]) or
    myself.
 
    Good luck!
 
    Paul van Westendorp                         ([log in to unmask])
    Provincial Apiculturist
    BC Ministry of Agriculture,
        Fisheries & Food