What I noticed when I cleaned out the bottom boards

[Parksguyy]

Hey folks,
Cdn Beek here, new to this last summer, with four hives.  Just last week I cleaned out the bottom boards of these hives and couldn't beleive the amount of dead bees in a couple of the hives.  Going into the winter these two hives were very health and full ...did a mite count and literally had none!  One of the hives was weaker going into the winter yet it had the least of the dead bees in that one.  All these hives are alive and appear to be doing ok, we fed them fondant about a month ago ... just being careful.  And last week each were given a pollen pattie, again more insurance.
I'm just wondering if this sounds normal to everyone ... from what I've read, its to be expected ... it was just the amount of dead bees that got me to thinking about it all.
Thanks   

[iddee]

Many, many bees in the fall likely means the majority are summer bees. Only the winter bees will live til spring.

[sawdstmakr]

Yep, sounds normal especilly up north where they cannot clean them out on a continual basis like they do down here.
Jim

[Parksguyy]

Thanks guys, this will put me a ease ... I'll feel awhole lot better once the season changes for good ... we just dipped back into winter overnite and thru the weekend.
 

[Joe D]

Down here there are few days that the bees aren't flying.  They keep the hive pretty clean.  I have mine on a concrete slab, you should see the dead on it sometimes.
Good luck to you and your bees.




Joe