Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => TOP BAR HIVES - WARRE HIVES - LONG HIVES => Topic started by: ktbearpaws on March 25, 2009, 11:16:15 pm

Title: Cold snap
Post by: ktbearpaws on March 25, 2009, 11:16:15 pm

I'm supposed to get my bees on Easter, and I was wondering.....
We have been known to have a cold snap or two after Easter. At times, even a snow isn't uncommon.
"What should I do in case a cold spell should come after I have installed my bees into their new homes?
Or is this not a real concern?"

Title: Re: Cold snap
Post by: BjornBee on March 26, 2009, 09:00:28 am

You better have an internal feeder or food source.

I hear some every year that lose hives from cold snaps after they installed bees on foundation. Packages start arriving in Pennsylvania next week. Crazy if you ask me. But since nobody asked...I'll just keep mumbling to myself....  :-D

Title: Re: Cold snap
Post by: Robo on March 26, 2009, 09:06:54 am

Many years ago,  due to circumstances beyond my control,  I had to install packages in a snow storm and they all made it fine.

If delaying a day makes for better weather,  keep them in your garage or basement and feed them thru the screen.   If it is a longer cold spell, go ahead and install them and make sure you give them syrup inside as Bjorn has suggested.  An inverted jar on the tops of the frames that allows them to cluster under it is best.   Also warm syrup is taken better.  If they syrup is too cold they won't take it.

Title: Re: Cold snap
Post by: ktbearpaws on March 26, 2009, 09:46:29 pm

Any extra precautions I should take, should it get cold after I have installed them in their new hive?
I mean......Aside from feeding syrup..... 

Title: Re: Cold snap
Post by: buzzbee on March 26, 2009, 10:14:11 pm

Keep the entrance reducer on and set to the small hole until enough bee activity creates a traffic jam,and don't put on more boxes than you need.it will be easier for the bees to conserve heat.