Debris and dead at the bottom of an OB hive, normal?

[D Coates]

While I was reviewing my Ob hive this morning I noticed there are a few dead bees (+/-dozen) as the bottom along with a couple tablespoons worth of debris.  It has been cold here for the past few weeks but they have still been tossing the dead out the front.  The hive is still well populated so I'm a little surprised to see debris at the bottom.  Not that I can do anything about it at this point but this is my first winter with an OB hive, would this be considered normal?  It's supposed to get up to 40 today and 45 tomorrow so I'll see if they haul that stuff off.

[specialkayme]

It is normal.

Sometimes a few will die and the undertaker bees are reluctant to get rid of them. Same thing with the debris.

Give it a few days/a week, and if the dead start building up and no one is taking it out, then you can be concerned.

Generally though, it's only a problem when the dead end up blocking the entrance hole, or if they are dying so fast their numbers are diminishing.

[AllenF]

When it warms up a little, they should get cleaning more as more can fly in and out better with the weather.

[D Coates]

Thanks, I figured as much but thought I'd ask.  It's gotten warm here today (finally!) and they are rolling out to stain the snow like their hive is on fire.

[AllenF]

With all that staining, I don't think it was their hive that was on fire.