In a message dated 99-04-09 08:11:14 EDT, you write: << The weather is starting to reach temperatures above 50 degrees so I have attempted to start feeding my hive. The only problem is that the bees don't seem to be taking any of the sugar syrup! I've been checking the hive when I get home from work and I've noted that there are some bees outside the hive at the time I get there, (5-6 pm) but they just aren't touching the sugar syrup! (I have a enterance bottle feeder) I haven't opened the hive yet this year, but I can hear a pretty healthy amount of buzzing in the hive. (I'm waiting for a weekend day when the temp is greater than 60F to open the hive) Should I be concerned? >> In cold weather (and you are still cold in Vermont), always feed on top of the cluster. Entrance feeders are notorious for not helping hives, especially weak ones. Put a feeder pail on the opening in an inner cover, or make a 16 x 20 sheet of plywood with a hole in the middle, if you don't have an inner cover with a hole. You can open a hive at 50 without worry. Don't pull brood frames and leave them out while you do a slow inspection. But removing the cover to check the cluster size and position is no problem. I'd do it at 32, if I can get to them. Dave Green SC USA The Pollination Home Page http://www.pollinator.com The Pollination Scene http://members.aol.com/pollinator/polpage1.html Jan's Sweetness and Light Shop on the Internet (honey & beeswax candles) http://members.aol.com/SweetnessL/sweetlit.htm