Will the colony break cluster to protect brood?

[ddavidd]

It is warm enough that my colonies are stretching their wings. (50°)

If this warm stretch continues and the queen starts laying brood, will the colony save the brood by feeding them, or save the colony by clustering when the rigid Chicago winter returns?

I remember reading something about this, but I can't remember. Thanks!

[beeware10]

in addition to the temp. another factor is bringing in pollen and nector. they will not normally start more brood than they can cover. the amount of brood raised is determined by the number of bees available.

[Michael B]

Once brood rearing starts, they will not leave the brood. If the weather gets really cold they will cluster tightly around the brood even at their own peril. Many hive starve due the cluster not leaving brood to feed.

When brood rearing begins the cluster must maintain 92ish degrees. No brood in the hive they maintain a much lower temperature.

[sqkcrk]

Chilled brood can occur when there are not sufficient enough a supply of adult bees to both cluster tightly and cover brood.

[ddavidd]

Thanks everyone!