I have a hive that is literally hot in the middle of winter. It's running 80F+/27C+ inside and is packed with very active bees. Problem is I'm in Michigan and it is a LONG time before spring gets here. What should I do with such an active warm hive in January? There's steam coming out of this nuc it is so warm! (OK, actually condensing water vapor, but it looks like steam).
I have a feeling this story is not going to end well, but I thought I would query you all for ideas.
(http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j365/MichiganBee/Foam%20Nucs/toohot2.jpg)
(http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j365/MichiganBee/Foam%20Nucs/toohot3.jpg)
What were the outdoor temps? Perhaps they broke cluster to move onto other stores. Opening the lid is enough to stir perhaps unwanted activity.
Are there external sources like a skunk or mouse in the hive agitating them?
I think Finski had noted before that disturbing the hive can lead to a 24 or 48 hour of raised temps due to agitation and alarm.
30 degress outside with a large cluster inside amounts to a pretty cozy day. Were they flying at all with cleansing flights? I have bees flying today and very active.
Methinks you will be feeding these girls for a while! :)