The NBU has issued a warning that colony losses through starvation have already occurred this winter as a result of the unusually high temperatures that we have had for the time of year, encouraging the bees to be active. Several local beekeepers have reported the same, e.g. Peter Webb, who wrote: ‘Terrible weather for bees, lots flying and nothing to feed on.’ Another of our members, David Parker, has reported that one of his hives consumed roughly 400g of fondant in about 7-8 days. Do check your own bees for the state of their stores. Going into the hive has to be done very carefully indeed in January, but gentle hefting should give enough indication and will cause no problems. If in doubt, put a bag of fondant on the crown board.
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