How warm before you really pull apart a hive ???

[spunky]

Do most of you wait until it is 60 degrees to really pull apart a hive and do an inspection ????

50 or more ?????

[Ravenseye]

Define "pull apart". Generally, if it's warm enough for the bees to fly, I'll jump in. If they are "just barely" flying, I get in and out fairly quickly. I also take into account whether the sun is on the hive and if it's windy. Basically, if I think it's borderline, I don't bother unless I really have to....medication, something like that. I never really look at the thermometer.

[spunky]

Define "pull apart". Generally, if it's warm enough for the bees to fly, I'll jump in. If they are "just barely" flying, I get in and out fairly quickly. I also take into account whether the sun is on the hive and if it's windy. Basically, if I think it's borderline, I don't bother unless I really have to....medication, something like that. I never really look at the thermometer.


separate hive bodies, pull out individual frames, look for the queen type inspection ??

[peggjam]

"separate hive bodies, pull out individual frames, look for the queen type inspection"

Wait til the temps are above 60 to do this type of inspection, or you will chance chilling the brood.:)

[sqkcrk]

[QUOTE=peggjam;304620
Wait til the temps are above 60 to do this type of inspection, or you will chance chilling the brood.:)[/QUOTE]

Generally speaking this cautious attitude is a good rule of thumb. But here in SC, where the temperature is still around 45 degrees we transfered nucs from above an excluder into nuc boxes and don't expect any chilled brood.

One thing to take into consideration is how strong is your colony. In other words, are there enough bees to keep the brood covered? Also, do I need to be in my beehive when the conditions are less than ideal or can I wait?

Bees are quite resilient, forgiving and capable of overcoming human error. So, I would say that if you need to get into your beehive don't be afraid of a little cool weather. Just be intelligent about it and don't leave uncapped brood frames out of the hive for long periods of time, say 5 or 10 minutes.

[beegee]

Larvae are fragile. Too cool(too windy)can cause chilled brood. Too warm or too much sunshine can damage them. I like to work bees when it's at least 65 with a very slight breeze and a cloudless sky. You can't tarry. Have a plan.