Winter/Bees

[texjim]

My friend and i are fairly new to bee keeping. We have had a harsh winter here in N.E. Pa. The other day my friend put her ear up to the Hive and said she didn't hear any noise. What are the chances the bees didn't make it. Thanks Jim

[biggraham610]

I had 7 and currently have 4. Things other than cold can have alot to do with winter mortality. Good Luck. G

[Colobee]

How good is your friend's hearing?   Keep the faith, they might just be huddled up and quietly conserving their strength. I haven't kept detailed records, but would gues-timate 10% winter losses over the years. There are just so many factors to consider!

[biggraham610]

How good is your friend's hearing?   Keep the faith, they might just be huddled up and quietly conserving their strength. I haven't kept detailed records, but would gues-timate 10% winter losses over the years. There are just so many factors to consider!

Wow, 10%, hope I get there, thats something to hang your hat on. Congrats. G

[mikecva]

When they are clustered, as they might be, the bees will make very little noise. I can not hear them thru the wood even with a stethoscope. This Wednesday (for northern VA) it might get up to 55+. If it does I would expect to see some cleansing flights. Since we still have some cold weather coming, I might need to add more dry sugar to the hives. (newspaper with loose white sugar on it placed on the top bars of the brood box. Any suger that is not consumed can be removed when you begin your syrup feeding.)   -Mike

[texjim]

Thanks everyone... The one hive that has a nasty queen seems to be the strongest hive. She said she taped on the side and she heard them buzzing.. The other two hives she didn't hear anything.. My fingers are crossed that they made it. I can't afford to keep buying bees every year and not get any honey. ..

[CBT]

Tried mountain camp feeding on a couple of hives but they did not eat much. It was to see if the fat bee program started last fall was working. So far so good