> From: Jason Morgan
> Subject: Inspecting a Deadout
> Friends, what is the best approach for a typical backyard beekeeper to inspect a deadout? More specifically, what should be looked at short of sending samples to the lab? 
 
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I've since been directed to a page on Randy's site that really says a lot.
http://scientificbeekeeping.com/the-rules-for-successful-beekeeping/
 
I can see one of my hives was starvation for sure. Although there was plenty of honey in it. Since my populations were very low at last check, I am guessing they couldn't warm up enough honey fast enough over a 2 week cold spell. I saw some discussion a while back where someone was using temp probes to measure the cluster temperature and suggesting the stored heat in the honey from the cluster played a role in allowing the bees to move to and consume the food in a timely manner. Did I read this right? ...that there has to be enough bees in the cluster to warm up enough honey. If the cluster just isn't big enough, they may run out of food even though it's inches away? 
 
Thanks, 
Jason
SE Indiana
 		 	   		  
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