MCBA Master Beekeeper Frank Linton is electronically monitoring two hives at Brookside Nature Center. Here is his scientific journal:
2018 APRIL 8
In two full size (8-frame) colonies that overwintered and are on hive scales; a few weeks ago both were consuming about 200 grams per day of stores or feed, now they are consuming 500 grams (a little over 1 pound) per day.
This is when colonies are most likely to starve, and to toss out brood they cannot keep warm.
Be sure you have enough feed on your colonies until the nectar flow starts.
2018 March 29
Currently we have two hive scales in the Apiary, one under an empty hive #351, and one under a colony of honey bees #470.
The big event for the empty hive was when it tipped over (15 MAR). We remedied this by leveling the hive stand.
The big event for the live hive was having the feeder placed on it (18 MAR). The weight shown includes the feeder and the feed. With a little more data, we'll know when to refill the feeder.
The good news so far is 'no sudden weight drop' indicating the colony has not yet swarmed.
