Feeding in the evening

[peacoops]

Just wondering why (and if) feeding should be done in the evening as a few people have mentioned it.
Thanks

 

[Bearhouse]

My understanding is that there are fewer robbers flying around wanting to investigate.

 

[Millet]

I feed when ever they need it at anytime of the day, i do get wasps pushing there luck but i do it as quickly and smoothly as possible then close them back up, it usually takes me around five minuets to fill glass contact feeders with 4 litres of Syrup.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

the only issue is, if you are using big feeders and it's fairly busy, you get quite a few nosy parkers ending up swimming in the syrup!

 

[madasafish]

I feed when it's warm at 2-4pm..

 

[Millet]

the only issue is, if you are using big feeders and it's fairly busy, you get quite a few nosy parkers ending up swimming in the syrup!

That is why i like these glass jar contact feeders, i get no casualties however if i had more than three hives i would do away with them.

 

[taurus]

I was told to feed in the evening to avoid encouraging robbing, to avoid wasps etc being attracted as you add the feed and because when the bees find the food they have no means of communicating that the food source is in the attic. By feeding in the evening the bees aren't flying out to look for the food source.

I have no idea how true the last of those is but it was what I was told.

 

[Millet]

Personally i do not think it matters when you feed them as long as the colony is strong with a easily defended entrance, the main thing i found was do everything syrup wise over a tray so any spills can be took away (that is with contact feeders) .
Just imagine all those beekeepers with a 10/20 + hives that started feeding in the evening, they would need a head torch by the time they where finished ..

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Just imagine all those beekeepers with a 10/20 + hives that started feeding in the evening, they would need a head torch by the time they where finished ..

Plenty of spare cap lamps kicking around in this neck of the woods nowadays

 

[pargyle]

Just imagine all those beekeepers with a 10/20 + hives that started feeding in the evening, they would need a head torch by the time they where finished ..

I use rapid feeders and I nearly always top them up at night and I use a head torch ... saves getting suited up and the interested parties trying to swim in the syrup ... works for me - the bees don't seem to mind.

 

[Webby]

Exactly what I do and have just done. Very easy with a head torch and they don't mind at all. Just wish they'd slow up a bit on the syrup!

 

[peacoops]

Thanks everyone.

Only 2 hives to worry about so will carry on as I have been, I am armed with a new head-torch this year if it comes to it, but so far I have been OK doing it during the day.