Bee's with change in temperment?

[Poppi]

The weather here has been very mild to say the least...  I spend a good amount of time "observing" the hive from a few feet away.  The bees have always had a great temperment.  Lately, because of the warmer weather I have had to feed (2:1) syrup.  I am using a Boardman feeder and the last two mornings some 30 to 50 bees are outside the front entrance, temp is 45 to 50 degrees F, when I put on the feeder.  I'm very gentle but both days they have come after me head butting and obviously upset...  question...  is this to be expected with the cool morning temps or something else...  weather is clear, sunny and a slight breeze.  Thanks for input, John

[AliciaH]

When I have a hive that changes that quickly, it's usually do to an external source.  What have you ruled out so far in regards to potential robbing or them getting picked on at night (like skunks)?

[iddee]

The ONLY full blown attack I have ever had from a swarm was sunny and 46 F.
They were fine after it warmed up a bit.

[Poppi]

Hi Alicia...   no critter's can get to this hive.  It is in my back yard with a perimeter brick wall that surrounds the back of the home except for a small gate.  I suppose something could get in if it wanted but I have 3 Collies and they alert even when deer come close to the other side of the wall.

Iddee...  I'm hopin' you're right...  I plan on a thorough inspect in a couple of days...  It's supposed to be 70 + here that afternoon...  I'll put on the feeder in the morning and inspect in the afternoon...  That might tell me something.

Thanks for the replies :)

John

[hardwood]

Keep your eyes peeled for robbing as well...boardman feeders are notorious for setting it off.

Scott

[greenbtree]

I would keep an eye out for robbing too.  With the warm weather, yours aren't the only bees low on stores.  A couple of jars with small nail holes in the lids turned upside down on some small shims of wood work.  Just put an empty hive body on top of the inner cover and put the jars there.  Lid on top.  The bees will come up through the vent hole to get to the syrup.  You can do that without opening up the whole hive.  Just don't think "Oh, I'm just going to refill the jars, I'm not actually going IN the hives, I don't need my veil for that."  :-D

JC

[Poppi]

Hey Scott...   Yeah, I don't usually use Boardman feeders but it was a little more convenient for a couple of days.  Haven't seen any robbing and I usually go out to the hive a couple times a day..  still new ya know..  :)    that's why the post, it was something very different and needed some input.  Oh btw, I started a local beekeeper's class and I had to laugh, under my breath of course, but the guy say's don't ever go out to your hives if you just ate a banana...   I remembered your vid catching that swarm out of a bush and you eatin' a banana right next to them to show otherwise...   actually I think I remember you finding some comb in that bush as well...  like they were settin' up housekeeping...   good stuff!!!

greenbtree...  likewise, I will keep a watch...  and I usually do feed with a plastic 1/2 gal pail top feeder but this hive is from a late nuc and is still in one deep... I just don't want to have a top feeder on and it leak down on the bees if we get a couple of below freezing nights.

Thanks, John

[iddee]

July, August, Sept. and Oct., a boardman will set off robbing in a heartbeat.

Has anyone ever seen a boardman set off robbing in Feb., March, April, or may?  I haven't.