Hi
I add fondant on top of my broodnests in Jan (under-super in September), as insurance against isolation starvation. Wondering how you do it and the best method, especially how you prevent it drying out?
I’ve tried putting the complete bag after opening one side & leaving the rest of the plastic on, on top of the top bars and also rolling it out further, so it covers a larger surface area over the top of the nest. Ive tried putting it over a rimmed queen excluder so bees are not squashed when adding and to stop it dripping down the frames, this works well. I also use a glass quilt so I can observe it being used and if the colony needs more.
What I have found though is it often dries out and I’m left with hard lumps which must be hard for the bees to process. What do you do, what have you learnt is the best method of applying & to prevent it drying out?
Thanks
Elaine
I add fondant on top of my broodnests in Jan (under-super in September), as insurance against isolation starvation. Wondering how you do it and the best method, especially how you prevent it drying out?
I’ve tried putting the complete bag after opening one side & leaving the rest of the plastic on, on top of the top bars and also rolling it out further, so it covers a larger surface area over the top of the nest. Ive tried putting it over a rimmed queen excluder so bees are not squashed when adding and to stop it dripping down the frames, this works well. I also use a glass quilt so I can observe it being used and if the colony needs more.
What I have found though is it often dries out and I’m left with hard lumps which must be hard for the bees to process. What do you do, what have you learnt is the best method of applying & to prevent it drying out?
Thanks
Elaine