All 5 Niagara Hives were inspected.
Hive, (001-002) was opened and inspected. Hive had good pollen and honey stores. The top box appeared to be mostly empty with only a dozen or so bees. The lower box was not very full of bees either. The queen was found and hundreds of eggs were seen in cells. However, none of the eggs were hatched nor was there any capped brood. I am concerned about this hive’s late start or possible problem. No smoke or veil was used.
Hive, (004-005) was opened and inspected. Hive had good pollen and honey stores. The number of bees was significantly higher than other hives. The queen was laying a large number of eggs and there were many locations of capped brood. A huge increase in this hive will be seen soon.
Hive, (019) was opened and inspected. Hive had good pollen and honey stores. This hive had extremely small numbers just 3 weeks ago and has seemed to bounce back a little bit. I will continue to shelter this hive during cold weather. Good looking amounts of brood, larva and eggs. The queen activity looks good.
Hive, (016-017) was opened and inspected. Hive had good pollen and honey stores. Number of bees was average compared to other hives but still far greater than (001-002) . This Warre hive had 3 frames of brood and the numbers look stable and healthy. The Queen activity looks excellent. No smoke or veil was used.
Split (003) was opened and inspected. No signs of queen cells are seen. No smoke or veil was used with thishive.
