Just to remind beekeepers everywhere to check their bees for stores (especially nucs), as we are coming into a high risk time for starvation and the queen will be getting in gear, which can result in the remaining winter stores being used up very quickly.

Personally, I always take the roof off to avoid getting a false impression of weight. So give your hives a heft and if needed, give them some fondant or candy (not liquid feed!).

Avoid the temptation to do full hive inspections until the temperature is at least 15°C on a calm day. A good indicator, is if you are comfortable outside wearing a T shirt. Any cooler and you risk chilling the brood. Early in the season when inspecting, I use the dummy board to cover the frames not being inspected, to help keep the warmth in!

Paul Eades

Chair

The miserable weather has been making it difficult to get out since Christmas.

But just to remind beekeepers everywhere to try and check their bees for stores (especially nucs), as we are coming into a high risk time for starvation and the queen will be getting into gear, which can result in the remaining winter stores being used up.

Personally, I always take the roof off to avoid getting a false impression of weight, but I avoid taking the cover boards off and going into the hives, in case I chill the developing brood.

So give your hives a heft and if needed, give them some fondant or candy (not liquid feed!).