Hi,
My name is George and I live in Delaware Ohio. I started with backyard beekeeping in 2013.
I got my first hive in mid-April 2013, and my second one on May 29, 2013.
They all were doing well through the summer and into the 2014 winter season (at least to the best of my ability to tell).
By end of summer, I had 3 med supers on the first hive, and 2 med supers on the second.
I just found out yesterday, that I lost the 2nd hive -- no buzzing, no fun.
I do not think they died from starvation, as I did not harvest any honey last season, and made sure that I fed them (each hive) about 30-40 LBs of syrup in addition to the few honey (I am guessing about 20-25 LBs) they collected.
First hive is still alive, but think the second hive died from not being able to establish itself string enough the previous season.
Is that a reasonable guess, or there might be another reason that I am overlooking?
Also, what urgent measures should I take right now, to make sure that I do not lose the second hive?
I wrapped it up with a blanket last night (we got -12F last night) and will keep blanket for next few days, but anything obvious that I should do that I am overlooking?
Any advice would be deeply appreciated.
Regards,
George