I didn't open them up except for the super that holds the cedar pillow. But I heard no buzzing and no bees came out as I opened up the mouse guard to clean out the entryway, which wasn't blocked after all.
I hope I'm wrong but I think my bees are gone. I am heartbroken. I don't know what else I could have done to keep them warm, fed and alive.
I just seems like I'd have seen some action today since is close to 55 degrees today and sunny. I'm recharging the fence battery but think it's probably on for nothing.
The only bit of hope I have is that two days ago, I saw one bee come out and go back into one of the hives so is it possible they're just not coming out? And if they are in there, how come they're not more protective?
I don't know what to do so I will do nothing for now but within a month or so, I need to make a decision about whether or not to continue with this hobby if I can't keep bees alive over a winter. Darn!!
