For the past 10-14 days, winter has been here in ND (daytime temps in the 30's/low 40s, nighttime temps in single digits, SNOW!). I wrapped my hives, the bees stopped taking syrup two weeks ago and (at least in my strongest hives) had formed their winter clusters.
Now, the forecast looks like it is going to be mild for a couple of weeks (highs in the 50's/low 60s, lows just above freezing). I have a couple of hives that I would feel better about if they had more stores. Should I start feeding again? Should I unwrap? How do bees respond to crazy weather fluctuations like this just before winter?
Thanks for replies
Mike
They not only need the time to take the syrup but need time to reduce the moisture in it. personnally i think you would be better off with candy boards this late in the year
If it were me, I wouldn't be feeding any more syrup. If you want to set them up with dry sugar, candy or Fondant, then yes, use the warm spell to do it.