[Fred Scott]

My hive ( 2 ten frame boxes) is wrapped and ready for snow which is forecast for tomorrow in CNY. I checked on them this am and they are already into the candy board. I looked like all of the frames were nearly full of brood and honey so I didnt expect them to start eating so soon. Not a bid deal as I can just drop more in, I was just a little surprised at how much they ate already. There is still a lot of activity around the hive and all seems fine.

 

[Wil]

Here in NE Ohio, I haven't wrapped my 7 hives yet. The only thing I have done so far is to add 2 inches of insulation to the inside of the top cover, added an empty screened sugar board and a quilt box on top of the sugar board. I plan to add my sugar bricks at a later date like maybe end of December/beginning of January. Last year I added the sugar brick in the beginning, but I fear the bees moved pass their honey stores and up and onto the sugar above. Now I pray that when I do need to add the sugar, it isn't too cold so as to harm the bees. I haven't wrapped any hives yet. I have a couple Bee Cozies and a couple thinner commercial wraps to add when I think it's cold enough to do so. I might try not even wrapping a coupe hives. Sure would like to remove the hassle of winter preparation. I'm still kicking around the idea of upper ventilation or no upper ventilation. Everything in beekeeping for me is a head scratcher but it's fun.

 

[Fred Scott]

I get it!!! I just put some more winter feed together and I will keep my eye on and replace it when it needs to be. I also have wood chip insulation above the candy and am properly vented and screened. I think all will go well as long as were sure they have food if they need it.

 

[Wil]

Well Fred, what kind of fun are you having in CNY now? Any bee hive report ? I got my 7 hives insulated just about a day before our cold snap a couple weeks ago. Now we have a warm front moving in and 50 degree temps here on Thanksgiving. I'll have to mix our Thanksgiving dinner in with my OAV treatment of the hives today. I am also quite a bit worried about my one hive of Saskatraz bees because yesterday, I noticed thousands of dead bees laying on the ground just in front of the hive. The other 6 hives aren't showing any signs like that, though two hives don't seem to be very active with bees flying in and out on these couple of warm days. My sugar bricks are made but I am still planning to hold off in adding them to the sugar boards. I hope I am making the right decision in holding off this year. We haven't had any snow on the ground yet so lucky so far there.

 

[Wil]

Just checked the winter stores of my sugar bricks and the bees are working them but still plenty of sugar left for them to eat. I did make up more sugar bricks for just in case they need it later on. That way, no rushing and falling over myself to getter done.
Today will be about 46*F and no rain. ( I'll believe that when I see it) I may go out and run a pass with OAV for good measure but am torn between sighting in a muzzle loader for hunting here this weekend. Not enough hours in the day and certainly not enough good days here in Ohio, especially with lake effect garbage.