Fondant or raw sugar??? Let us know which the bees take first. Gary

Checked my hive today to see if the bees were using the food left on the inner cover. Been trying different things during February to try to make sure they have enough of food. On the upper left is my first attempt at making fondant. I think it was too thick and had trouble fitting it under the cover. On the right is the same fondant after using a rolling pin to flatten it more, Lower left is granulated sugar that was recommended at the last meeting. Doesn't appear that they are much interested in any of this. Anyone Else have any experiences?
Today there were about 10 dead bees inside entrance behind the mouse guard. I guess that is normal life cycle attrition.

Hi Everyone. I just joined the blog. Looking forward to stimulating conversation.

Thanks Ed, for taking care of the Jersey Cape Beekeepers Association blog... Gary

In January, I put burlap barrier up on three sides of the hive. I left the front open. I also put on a mouse guard. I think the burlap really protected the hive during the snow storms that occured a few weeks ago. Although there were mountains of snow all around the hive, the area in the burlap and front were free of snow.

Before leaving on vacation the first two weeks in February, I made Fondant and placed it on the inner cover. On returning, it didn't look like the bees were using it. At the last meeting it was suggested that we add about a coffee can full of raw sugar on the inner cover which I did. Checked this afternoon, but it does not look as if they are using much of the supplies.
I did find however that my top cover apparently has a leak. There was water on the inner cover. I hope a lot did not run down into the hive. I had a spare cover and used it. I haven't seen too much evidence of activity, however the other day while passing the hive I saw a bee returning. From where I have no idea. So I guess there is hope that they are still holding on.

Winter Watch

Things are quiet when its cold although one day when it warmed up to about 50 degrees I had a swarm in front of the hive with bees coming and going. Even when its cold, I still see an occasional bee venture out and fly somewhere.
I just put on a entrance mouse guard to both keep out varmints and keep some wind out. Wondering if I should be putting out pollen for just in case food or not.

Jersey Cape BeeKeepers Nov Meeting

Meeting was held November 19th. Talked about how to prepare the hives for winter. Protect from wind by wrapping in lack Tar paper or place bales of hay around the hive. Space hay bales so a person can walk freely around the hive.
Also talked about plan for new bee course in the spring. Everyone is asked to contribute. Bill Eisele wants to know who will be interested in obtaining bees - Hives or Nucs in the spring. Let him know soon so he can plan for ordering.

Next meeting will be in January -