Hello Joe,
Thanks for an honest reply!

 I lost quite a few hives to the spring ice storm in Missouri. Temps went
down low at a time we have not seen in years. Found bees with heads in cells
when honey was only a few inches away.

Actually happened the same way a couple decades ago. I think I could have
saved most if the hives had been wrapped, if i had been in Missouri to feed
in January or had used candy boards. The brood nest moved up to the lid but
neglected stored honey on both sides in the box.

The severe cold kept the bees in a tight cluster. Clusters were smaller than
I like seeing because in my opinion of a lack of pollen last fall (caused by
severe drought) and I believe I only got for the most part 2 (maybe 3) brood
cycles of winter bees. I like to see at least four cycles which is what the
old masters always recommended for successful wintering in my area.

I was in the south during most of the ice storm (four in. ice on ground) and
waited three days outside Dallas, Texas  for the roads to be free of ice. I
am not sure some did not die from ice covering the entrance and top vent
hole. Dan't know as I only had one yard still iced when I returned. The ice
was still four in. thick and I wore shoes with ice cleats to even approach
the hives.

bob


-- 
This message has been scanned for viruses and
dangerous content by MailScanner, and is
believed to be clean.

******************************************************
* Full guidelines for BEE-L posting are at:          *
* http://www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/guidelines.htm  *
******************************************************