Sometimes I'm not too careful when I collect the "rent" from my girls... and if a fall flow fails, it is MY fault that the bees are not ready for winter. So I owe it to them to prevent their starvation. I mountain camped them in early/mid December.
Today the sun was out, temp at 1 pm was 39, light breeze. I opened all 14 hives and checked dry sugar, had to add additional to only two. But I was able to discern with a quick look how they were. This is the only time I opened them since early Dec. Each hive took less than 40 seconds... unless I added sugar, then perhaps 60-70 seconds. No gloves, no veil, no smoke. In and out.
Each of us has to decide the best management style, that works for us. But generally, the more we leave them alone, the better off they are. Including in the summer. As the really great beekeepers remind us, we learn a lot by watching the entrance. And listening. Stethoscopes come in handy.
Regards,
Steven