January is another very quite month...but this is the month where all the preparation for the new season takes place and where the results of good husbandry from the previous year really begin to tell. I normally do my first 'heft' of each hive to get a sense of how much store there is in the hive. It it feels very light we may have to feed if we are to save the colony. Normally, by leaving 14 kilos (roughly 30lbs or one super) of honey on each hive at the end of the season it is very rare for the colony to run short....but check to be sure.
Also check the hive for any damage either from the weather, mice or woodpeckers. Make sure the mouse guard is in place and that there is plenty of ventilation. The colony can handle the cold but too much moisture and humidity can be a real problem. I use two small pieces of wood (old pencils actually) and place them under the hive to raise the back - should there be any moisture on the floor board (file you are using solid floors) then the moisture will run towards the entrance and as long as this is clear, out of the hive.
