The first frosts have arrived as usual in the first week of November, its the time that I rearrange the hives in readiness for winter.
All supers and queen excluders are removed from the top of the brood box and a full super is given back to each hive, but placed under the brood, the fifth of November was a lovely day, just right for such an operation.
As soon as they are rearranged, I put fondant on every hive. I make the fondant in half kilo tubs, this is placed upside down over a feed hole on top of the crown board. this allows me to monitor the bees through the winter without going into the hive.
It doesn't take long for the bees to find and start using this food source. Some of my colonies get through large amounts of fondant, others barely touch it, but it is always there if they need it.
No comments:
Post a Comment