I want to thank all who have offered advice on have to deal with low stores in the dead of winter.  I found things are relative indeed.  This one colony was much lighter than the rest when I lifted up the hives on one side.

When the temps were reasonable, I looked inside the hive ready to present sugar.  I was pleasantly surprised to see a nice, large cluster next to 6 frames of sealed honey.  Mind at ease, I promptly closed the colony up.  I may need to feed in late winter when brood rearing picks up.  Things seem fine for now.

Now, where do I get a hive scale... :)

Waldemar
Long Island, NY





Michael
Palmer <[log in to unmask]> writes
>You could always pour granulated sugar around the inner cover escape hole.
>Moisture from the colony helps liquify the sugar.
Cut a cross in the bag, fold open, add a quarter cup of water, wait till
it is absorbed, then turn it over and place over the hole above the
cluster. Bees will climb up and have some insulation.
--
James Kilty

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