Author Topic: Whos lost Hives this winter? (Read 5172 times)

nepenthes · « **on:** March 03, 2008, 12:36:53 am »

Ive lost one.... I had an Italian hive that produced like 15-18lbs of honey this season, die off, for some reason it got REALLY moist in the hive, the hive right next to it is dry, That hive is a Russian Hive.

JP · « **Reply #1 on:** March 03, 2008, 12:47:31 am »

I lost 3 or 4, in and around winter. I think most swarmed out late summer/early fall and I didn't even realize it. Wax moth moved into 2 of them that I know of after they failed or swarmed. They have all been replaced with other colonies that I performed cut-outs on.

....JP

Bennettoid · « **Reply #2 on:** March 04, 2008, 11:34:11 am »

lost one of 3.

KONASDAD · « **Reply #3 on:** March 04, 2008, 12:15:40 pm »

so far none. This is hardest part of winter here. They start to raise brood and consume lots of stores, then temp drops too much. Keeping fingers crossed , but so far they all appear healthy.

Joseph Clemens · « **Reply #4 on:** March 04, 2008, 12:40:59 pm »

I lost one when it became queenless while it was still broodless and it was even yet too early for viable queen production -- not a total loss, I merged them with my weakest queenright colony (all was good).

reinbeau · « **Reply #5 on:** March 04, 2008, 01:08:14 pm »

So far none, although hive #2 at my mother's is much weaker than hive #1. We were just over there checking on them, everyone was out flying today. The witch hazels are being worked hard!

bassman1977 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 04, 2008, 01:20:12 pm »

Nothing to date...knock on wood.

annette · « **Reply #7 on:** March 04, 2008, 01:22:14 pm »

So far, so good with my 2 hives, but I always keep my fingers crossed as well.

UtahBees · « **Reply #8 on:** March 04, 2008, 03:17:39 pm »

We lost 3 out of 3. All Italians, 1 hive 1 year old, 2 hives 2 years old.

Mklangelo · « **Reply #9 on:** March 04, 2008, 03:40:06 pm »

Quote from: nepenthes on March 03, 2008, 12:36:53 am

Ive lost one.... I had an Italian hive that produced like 15-18lbs of honey this season, die off, for some reason it got REALLY moist in the hive, the hive right next to it is dry, That hive is a Russian Hive.

It's kind of early to tell for allot of us it's still winter. All three of mine are alive so I guess that's a good sign...lol

beekeeperookie · « **Reply #10 on:** March 04, 2008, 04:04:47 pm »

I lost 1 out of 3 so far, i am up here in Ohio weather. I just would like it to be spring soon

thomashton · « **Reply #11 on:** March 04, 2008, 05:41:23 pm »

Lost 1 of 3. The two that survived were 2-year old hives. The one lost was in its first year.

I think it was mostly my fault though. I gave them way too much room. Kind of got caught off guard and left 5 mediums on. Did this with one of the ones that survived, but they were much stronger.

We're still in winter here. It's blowing flakes as I type, but spring is coming and grass is starting to peek through the snow. My geese also laid their first egg yesterday! Welcome spring. Come sooner!

Will likely replace the lost one with two new ones.

LocustHoney · « **Reply #12 on:** March 04, 2008, 06:30:22 pm »

4 of 9. Not enough ventilation was my downfall...I think. We seem to have made the weather turn so hopefully our winter is closed or closing.

buzzbee · « **Reply #13 on:** March 04, 2008, 07:14:55 pm »

Cody,
I lost one of six,all italians . let me know how your russians do!!

SteveSC · « **Reply #14 on:** March 04, 2008, 08:23:13 pm »

I have 17 Italians and 3 Russian hives going into last fall and winter. All hives were doing good 3 weeks ago. Last Sat. I checked them again - lost 2 of the Russian hives. Honey and stores left behind - no bees in either hive.

vermel · « **Reply #15 on:** March 29, 2008, 03:57:52 pm »

Lost one of two hives. Probably due to damp cool area where hives were situated. Nozema is prime suspect. Moved other hive to higher well protected spot with plenty of sun exposure. Use slatted bottom board with at least one top entrance. This helps makes a dryer hive. The dampness and not the cold is the culprit unless you live where it gets really cold. I'm in the northwest where damp marine air is prevalent but temps seldom go below 20 degrees.

Kathyp · « **Reply #16 on:** March 29, 2008, 04:28:24 pm »

where in the NW?

no loss so far.

bassman1977 · « **Reply #17 on:** March 29, 2008, 05:00:24 pm »

I didn't lose any, even after two of them fell over. Inspected yesterday and there is still a ton of honey in each hive from last year. Queen is laying and already have brood.

bberry · « **Reply #18 on:** March 29, 2008, 05:06:08 pm »

Lost 1 of 2 last month-not sure what made them move on but they were always weaker than the other. Split the strong hive and they are doing well so far (made a new queen and all) so we will see. We are having an early and warm spring and the apples are just starting to bloom so they should have good forage.

Kimbrell · « **Reply #19 on:** March 29, 2008, 08:12:04 pm »

Lost 1 of 4. Hive became queenless with no eggs or brood. Weather did not cooperate with my efforts to save the few remaining bees.