This post is in reference to http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,26366.0.html (http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,26366.0.html) that Buzzbee started and also http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,26268.20.html (http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,26268.20.html) where I also posted the loss of the one hive and possible second.
QuoteDo you have frigid temps for extended periods?
We had a period of frigid temps. Maybe 2 weeks.
QuoteAre all your bees headfirst in the cells?
Yes
QuoteAre most of your bees dead on the bottom?
Most were head first in the cells. The ones at the bottom were mostly your typically losses during the winter. I didn't see anything out of the ordinary on the bottom.
QuoteAre there any uncapped frames?
Uncapped and empty for the most part. They were full going into winter.
QuoteIs there signs of rodent entry?
Yes. Mouse guards were installed. I must have done it too late.
QuoteWere boxes still heavy with stores?
Just the bottom box.
QuoteDid the bees cleanse or evacuate themselves inside the hive?
No.
QuoteDo you open your hives a lot when it's cold?
Never.
QuoteSolid or open bottoms?
This particular hive had a closed screened bottom.
QuoteVent box on top or conventional cover?
Conventional cover however I prop the inner cover about 1/8".
QuoteWere the dead bees soaked with moisture?
No.
They definitely starved in my opinion. I think that because a mouse did get in, maybe the cluster moved up higher to get away from the threat. The bottom box was completely full of capped honey. Maybe this hive would have survived, at least long enough, had they used the bottom box.