My hive is in its first year and about to enter its first Winter. There are two hive bodies on: bottom fully drawn out with LOTS of health little larvae and new bees emerging. Seems to be fairly adequate nectar and pollen stores in what is described as the typical storage pattern around the brood area. The second hive body has three and a half frames unworked; remainder is about 1/3 capped, 1/3 with stores uncapped and 1/3 being drawn out. No larvae in #2. I've just removed the entrance feeder that came with my hive and installed a top feeder. I saw top feeders referenced briefly in a message in August . . . 1. Should it stay on year round or be removed sometime late this fall? 2. It has an entrance hole - should it be plugged anytime during the year, particularly if it stays on year round? 3. The girls are flat out sucking down the sugar water when I fill the top feeder - do I need to supplement feed pollen/soy powder or will they gather what they need? Anything I may have not asked about? Thanks in advance for all the great help available on bee list. -- John Taylor -- Wild Rose Creek Apiary Southeast Missouri When in danger, or in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout!