March 22/2023 Checking in on the girls

Of the 25 colonies I covered and fed last fall 23 have survived the winter the 2 that did not survive had issues one had mites and far to many bees yet they didn't starve and the other died with lots of food and very few bees I believe their mite count was to high as well.

After a long winter this Colony is in great shape for spring they have some honey left to feed on but I will be monitoring weight to make sure they don't starve before spring flowers and trees start providing natural food for the colony.

This Colony is a bit smaller and had some moisture buildup I believe they will be fine now that the weather is turning around. Next year I will ensure all colonies have an upper entrance this seems to make all the difference for the bees.

Another very strong single brood chamber colony. I have been experimenting with single brood chamber management and double brood chamber management. There are many pros and cons to both however my fear of the singles starving is no longer a factor this colony came through winter with food to spare again I will be watching to make sure they don't starve as spring progresses.

This year I intend to employ OTS methods to make queen cells for splits, requeening, swarm prevention and brood breaks for mite life cycle interruption. I will still be doing regular mite washes and treating as required. I added pollen patties to 8 hives to get them built up early for splitting and experiment with pollen feeding and how if effects colony spring buildup.