Ready For Winter

The top feeders and robber screens are off the hives now and the entrance reducers are set to the smallest opening.

The SHB oil pans are empty and clean and reinserted.  The telescoping covers are slid forward so the inner-cover notch is exposed.  I am hoping there's enough clearance around the oil pans in the bottom that there will be sufficient ventilation in the hive like this, while keeping it warm inside.

The hives are too heavy to lift, so I'm thinking there's enough stores for the winter.

In Febuary, I'll try to lift the hives and peep inside to see if they need sugar (mountain camp method).

The next couple of months will be good for inventory, repair, maintenance, and planning.

Have a great winter everyone and I hope your hives make it to next spring!

November Brings Cooler Temperatures

The good news is that the hives are too heavy to lift.  I have been feeding syrup with Honey-B-Heathy but they're slowing down taking the syrup.  It's time to start thinking about moisture in the hives.  Starting this coming week, the temps are going to be lows around 40 and highs around 60.  I plan on takking the top feeders off and maybe doing some open feeding behind the house, away from from the hives.  Later on I'll probably put some sugar in the hives (the mountain camp method).  It's time to plan for Old Man Winter.