Feed density

[ShinySideUp]

One of my hives needs feeding. It is relatively small, does not have much in the way of stores and has four undrawn frames, two at each end.

I want all things (of course). I want them to keep laying, keep drawing comb and start putting stores aside for winter. What dilution of sugar syrup should I use that will best help the bees at this time of year, 1:1, 2:1 or perhaps 1.5:1?

If I had to choose a priority I would say they need stores.

 

[Eyeman]

I use 3:2 sugar:water whenever I make a sugar solution. Then again I only feed fondant and only use this sugar solution for a pre winter thymol tonic.
In your case I would feed 3:2.

 

[drex]

I would move an undrawn frame from each side and put it next to the brood nest. They will draw it out much quicker. Then do the same with the remaining two. Strength of feed not that important as long as they get the sugar. 2:1 for storing 1:1 to get them working is oft quoted.

 

[Millet]

Fill a container of any size with dry sugar of any amount.. mark the level where the sugar is...then fill with boiling water to that level you have marked.
That is what i do and it works fine and it saves messing about weighing and using jugs or what ever to measure litre's.

 

[Millet]

I would move an undrawn frame from each side and put it next to the brood nest. They will draw it out much quicker. Then do the same with the remaining two. Strength of feed not that important as long as they get the sugar. 2:1 for storing 1:1 to get them working is oft quoted.

Mine draw wax and store using the same mixture..with the method i use..

 

[yeogi75]

I do the same I fill a 20lt container half way and top up with warm water and a dash of thymol and shake never any problems

 

[ShinySideUp]

Fill a container of any size with dry sugar of any amount.. mark the level where the sugar is...then fill with boiling water to that level you have marked.
That is what i do and it works fine and it saves messing about weighing and using jugs or what ever to measure litre's.

That does seem convenient, I shall do that, thank you.

My, my, you are a hive (pun intended) of useful information, I have used the anti-wasp tunnels and now the sugar thing; you should write a sticky with all your ideas in it (or a book and keep the profits) .

 

[Curly green fingers]

Fill a container of any size with dry sugar of any amount.. mark the level where the sugar is...then fill with boiling water to that level you have marked.
That is what i do and it works fine and it saves messing about weighing and using jugs or what ever to measure litre's.

Do you find that all the sugar doesn't disolve and can block up gauze ect . I found that out a few times. I now make sure all the sugar has dissolved before I put it in the feeder .

 

[ShinySideUp]

So long as it's clear it will be ok.

 

[Millet]

Do you find that all the sugar doesn't disolve and can block up gauze ect . I found that out a few times. I now make sure all the sugar has dissolved before I put it in the feeder .

Unsure what you mean Curly..

 

[Curly green fingers]

Sorry , I should of asked do you mix it well so the sugar has dissolved. Im using feeders with gauze and found if the syrup had sugar not disolved you get a layer of sugar blocking the syrup.

 

[Millet]

Sorry , I should of asked do you mix it well so the sugar has dissolved. Im using feeders with gauze and found if the syrup had sugar not disolved you get a layer of sugar blocking the syrup.

To be honest Curly i do not have a clue what you mean... Sorry..

 

[Curly green fingers]

It was a reply to your post #4 .
And me asking you about syrup . It's been a long day Steve sorry ...

 

[For want of a better word]

Buy invert, the stuff especially formulated for healthy bees, also handily packed in small 12,5 liter containers for the 2 hive hobbyists... cheaper and less messing around than suga.
Just pour it into the feeder.

Nos da

 

[Curley]

Buy invert,.......... cheaper and less messing around than sugar.

Nos da

Might be less messy, possibly better for the bees (if feeding late), but certainly not cheaper for a hobbyist . Unless you factor in your time and charge £30 plus per hour, but then that's not a hobby.
Best price near me is £16.50 for 10 litres which delivers 11.5 kg of fructose/glucose. I can buy 12 kg sugar for £6.60 from a supermarket and it takes me 15 minutes to make - bit of leccy - best part of £10 in pocket.

 

[For want of a better word]

Might be less messy, possibly better for the bees (if feeding late), but certainly not cheaper for a hobbyist . Unless you factor in your time and charge £30 plus per hour, but then that's not a hobby.
Best price near me is £16.50 for 10 litres which delivers 11.5 kg of fructose/glucose. I can buy 12 kg sugar for £6.60 from a supermarket and it takes me 15 minutes to make - bit of leccy - best part of £10 in pocket.

Hidden costs... trip to supermarket... fuel has gone up!
....cost of water to dissolve
... cost of gas electrivk... etc etc

 

[Hivemaker.]

Hidden costs... trip to supermarket... fuel has gone up!
....cost of water to dissolve
... cost of gas electrivk... etc etc

If I could buy inverted syrup anywhere even close to the price of buying sugar and mixing it, I would buy it.
And that would also need to be free delivery.

 

[For want of a better word]

If I could buy inverted syrup anywhere even close to the price of buying sugar and mixing it, I would buy it.
And that would also need to be free delivery.

True.. but I am lazy!!!
Yeghes da

 

[Millet]

It was a reply to your post #4 .
And me asking you about syrup . It's been a long day Steve sorry ...

It was a long day for me also.. ..i think i have it worked out what you mean by gauze.. ( contact feeders ??? ) i use rapid feeders so it does not matter too much if it is not fully dissolved.. if it has not fully dissolved for you stick it on a gentle heat on the cooker and keep stirring till it is clear..

 

[Curly green fingers]

Yep you got it . I think I'll be changing my contact feeders there a bit old fashioned my grandad used 3 litre glass jars . There ok but there a faff. I need to make things a bit easier . And I need to buy a pallet of sugar lol... This collony I'm feeding at home think there on a weekend bender slow down girls!
2:1 syrup for autumn and soft candy ! In reply to the op. Sorry !