Any ideas or thoughts would be appreciated...
Started a hive this spring with a nuc; it was roof top placement (hive raised up on bricks) since I live in NYC. I've left the outer lid propped up to help with airflow.
The queen didn't survive the trip and she was replaced with a new one by the supplier within two weeks of the establishment of the hive. They have a water source near by and lots of flowering plants.
Everytime I check I see larvae, etc so I know the queen's laying eggs. I supplement the hive once a week with a sugar and honey mix, which they really clean up. They are out foraging everyday, and I see capped honey.
The problem is, the hive is not growing. I don't see dead bees or anything that indicates some massive disease, etc. But, I haven't had to put a second super on and they haven't built out the foundations I put in in the spring. Its still a five frame hive. There's some burr comb, but not a lot. No propolis. It seems that they are content to be a small hive. I wasn't planning on taking any honey this year, but now I am concerned that they may not be in a position to survive a winter.
Thoughts? Suggestions?
Thanks!