Re: m) Preparing hive for first winter
Do I need to Feed?
Feed if their honey/syrup stores are light. My fall hive checks consist of throwing syrup at them as fast as they can take it, provided they have room. Any excess I can always remove a frame or two, store, and add on a warm January/February day.
What about reducing the entrance?
I reduce down to the smallest opening of a standard entrance reducer (mine are all lower entrance hives). Mouse guard if you have it.
Wrap the hives?
I don't but I guess geographical regions are different. Supposed to help with the heat (solar gains?) and as a wind block.