Suggestion needed

[Newbee13]

Installed 4 packages last Saturday, nice day temps in the mid 50's and bees flying from about noon until 6:00 pm. Sunday through Tuesday were windy 15 to 40 mph, snow, rain, and temperature highs in the 30's to 40's"s lows in the mid 20's. opened the hives Wednesday two were dead, they never found the inverted feeder inside the hive. One was near death and one had clustered on the feeder and seems to be OK. Lost the 3rd hive on Friday. Today opened the remaining hive to fill feeder because again we will be cold and windy Monday through Wednesday. The bees have emptied one quart feeder and 1/2 of a second. They have built comb from the bottom of the inner cover down around the jar feeder and the empty jar can be picked up with the inner cover and the cluster. The hive is two medium boxes, the bottom box has frames, the top box was to cover the feeder and feed. The cluster did not move down into the frames, but stayed in the top box. ( newbee error by leaving inside the hive instead of ontop of the hole on the inner cover.) I think them clustering on the feeder is what saved this package the other three packages died within 3 or 4 inches of the feeders, also inside the hives. Now to the problem, when should I do the cut out to move the bees into the frames and the proper hive configuration? I know they need to build up, but I also have to be able to add boxes someday and with them on the inner cover there is no where to go.

[jdb1930]

I would keep feeding them regularly, since they do not have any of their own, and other than that not bother them at all. For at least 6 weeks (8 would be better). That will give them time to set up comb on the underside of the feeder and stay warm.

I would wrap the hive with insulation from lowes or something.And reduce the entrance to a very small hole.

You can always cut out the comb and rubber band it into foundation less frames later on.

After the 6 weeks don't open the hive unless the temps are at least 60 degrees, and be prepared to transfer the comb to frames (rubber band) at that time, because it will probably break off when you take off the feeder. Also make sure the feeder is empty so you can turn it over and cut the comb off.

[beedeetee]

They have built comb from the bottom of the inner cover down around the jar feeder and the empty jar can be picked up with the inner cover and the cluster. The hive is two medium boxes, the bottom box has frames, the top box was to cover the feeder and feed.( newbee error by leaving inside the hive instead of ontop of the hole on the inner cover.)
Yes, you want to put the inner cover over the frames and put the feed jar over the hole in the inner cover. I normally leave come of the hole in the inner cover open to allow moisture to vent out.