The 2 that died out had honey/food in them, but I just think it got too cold and the cluster couldn't move to the far side of the hive to find the 2.5 frames of honey. Both dead colonies were the same in this manner with about the same amount of honey that wasn't found/used.
But, the 2 that came through are doing well and maybe will be that much stronger for it. Obviously the bees/queen are hardy.
I added a 3rd hive and will split these 3 and after purchasing 3 queens from my supplier near Owen, WI will hopefully end up with 6 strong hives this season. The 3 are the short stacks with covers. The 4th taller stack is from the 2 colonies that died. There was a lot of honey in them so the bees are finding that source and using it for spring food. That way I don't need to use syrup. It all works out!
The bees are bringing in pollen. About 2-3 weeks behind last year as in March 2013 they were harvesting pollen. Today, 4-9-14 was the first day I noticed pollen on the bees.
