Midwinter inspection?

[Mklangelo]

Hey all!

I've been traveling allot this winter so haven't had a chance to post. 


It's 8 inches of snow on the ground and we just got over a -6F cold snap which lasted 36 hours.  It's now 25F and should be about the same tomorrow which is when I hope to take a peek.

I'm in town for a couple of days and would like to peek in on the ladies.  Is this a good idea?  And if so, what shoud I be looking for?

Any ideas on this would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks and have a good one.

:-D

[Bennettoid]

Bad idea.

[NWIN Beekeeper]

Bad idea in Delaware....

But in Milwaukee thats a HEAT WAVE!!

I would still hold off, I understand the weather is going to turn cold for the next few days.
I would wait until you are sure that the next day or two is going to be freezing+.
You want to give them ample time to re-cluster.

I know many folks are afraid to open their hives in any temp under 50 degrees.
That is well and fine down south, but up here even 40's are alright as long as you make it a short peek.
I would minimize my movement to only the upper super (maybe a tilt of a top brood box if 2 are used).

I used to be real afraid of doing work in cold weather, but I have become a little more comfortable.
I still work conservatively. (and I would suggest you do to, especially if you are working with only a few hives).

-Jeff

[Understudy]

Sounds to cold to me. Leave them alone.

Sincerely,
Brendhan

[KONASDAD]

If they are not flying, I dont look. Even if flying a little, just a peek when early. They lose all their stored heat and wont tell you much unless they are dead. No upside, lots of down side.

[Cindi]

Mklangelo.  You are hearing some good responses.  There is no need to look just yet, leave them alone.  You open the lid, warm air rises, the cluster loses their heat and then what you have is a cluster that is trying to get warmed back up.  It is needless, just be patient just a little bit longer, it will do your bees well to wait.  And then, you can have a good look then, and take a little more time.  Have a wonderful and beautiful day, Cindi

[Brian D. Bray]

I like to have mine break cluster a bit before probbing the hive.  I wait until the 2nd day of warmer 45+ F weather if clear to nearly clear skies.  If they have broken cluster a bit you can manipulate the honey frames closer to the cluster and do other things like adding a pollen patty etc without disturbing them too much.  Going into the hive in the warmer weather of winter forces them to break cluster a bit anyway, by delaying a day they have a better chance of reclustering incase of a sharp drop in temps. 
Also if you go into them and it drops fast that night you've just done more harm than good.  Not a critism, just my style.

[Mklangelo]

Thanks for the great info.

We have had so much snow up (8ft and counting) so these hives have been insulated from wind for much of the winter.  These bees are buried in snow and have been for all but 3 weeks since late/mid November.  April will be here soon enough!