How are your bees doing ?
In my area we are starting to hear of substantial losses of colonies this winter with several reporting between 50% and 100% losses. These folk are very experienced keepers, some losing over 15 colonies. I have personally lost about 15% which is way beyond my usual average of 0-5%. Keepers are reporting die outs with colonies still holding large stores.
I have lost 5 colonies but 4 were all in the same location, facing west which has been blasted with +25mph winds or more for 4 months now. My apiary 75 yards on the other side of the wood facing east hasn't lost one. The early prunis has been destroyed this late winter / early spring which my bees forage on so I think my pollen sub feed has helped keep my losses down. I also wonder if the lack of flying days has prevented water collection for processing stored honey for consumption.
In my area we are starting to hear of substantial losses of colonies this winter with several reporting between 50% and 100% losses. These folk are very experienced keepers, some losing over 15 colonies. I have personally lost about 15% which is way beyond my usual average of 0-5%. Keepers are reporting die outs with colonies still holding large stores.
I have lost 5 colonies but 4 were all in the same location, facing west which has been blasted with +25mph winds or more for 4 months now. My apiary 75 yards on the other side of the wood facing east hasn't lost one. The early prunis has been destroyed this late winter / early spring which my bees forage on so I think my pollen sub feed has helped keep my losses down. I also wonder if the lack of flying days has prevented water collection for processing stored honey for consumption.