Crazy weather

[Ray Bayless]

I'm starting to be concerned about this unseasonable warn weather we have been experiencing where I live. Specifically how it will affect the consumption of my bees winter honey stores. I see the girls bringing in pollen but I know there is not a lot, if any, nectar sources available. I'm in my first season and I'm wondering if I should feed. I don't want to induce brood rearing but I don't want the extra activity to deplete the needed winter food. Is a real concern or am I over thinking the situation?

[BlueBee]

I can't speak for your climate, but if you're worried try to lift up the side of a hive to feel how heavy it is.  A heavy hive and warm weather should be fine (ie they can move to new stores).

[Vance G]

When they starve, they eat the brood first.  Don't let them run out of food worrying about the small stuff.  If they do not have frames of capped honey, feed them until they do. 

[Ray Bayless]

I checked today. Two very lite hives with large population.  Put on the hive top feeders with 2gal of 2 to 1 syrup. High was 78degF. I wish it would get cold. Bees are really active._

[luvin honey]

Last winter, my bees headed into it with large population and light on stores. Then it was crazy mild all winter. I felt sure they would starve, but they made it through. They can surprise you, so I hope for the best for yours.

[Ray Bayless]

Last winter, my bees headed into it with large population and light on stores. Then it was crazy mild all winter. I felt sure they would starve, but they made it through. They can surprise you, so I hope for the best for yours.

Thanks, I hope your right. Still lots of bees. One hive really jumped on the feeder, the other not so much. That doesn't make a lot of sense to me. Anyone got any idea?

[sawdstmakr]

One hive found a natural food source. The other o e did not.
Jim

[minz]

I just ate an apple from a tree in the bottom! Leaves were still green on some of the trees.  The apple was not brown in the center (no hard frost here yet).