Feeding rate - how often do I need to top up syrup?

[Virtualvirgil]

Hi All
I am a newbee as of July 8th. I have been advised by my local BKA to feed my bees. I started with a half-colony. In 48hrs the bees have consumed 8kgs (4kg Sugar + 4litres H2O). Sounds like a lot to me! Is this a normal rate; do I keep feeding?; Your help and advice is appreciated in advance.

Thank you.

 

[pargyle]

Hi All
I am a newbee as of July 8th. I have been advised by my local BKA to feed my bees. I started with a half-colony. In 48hrs the bees have consumed 8kgs (4kg Sugar + 4litres H2O). Sounds like a lot to me! Is this a normal rate; do I keep feeding?; Your help and advice is appreciated in advance.

Thank you.

There should be some forage about for them, I would not be feeding them ... unless you live in the middle of nothing but empty fields. They won't be eating that lot ... they will be storing it ... if you have a super on the hive don't be tempted to think that what they have stored is honey ...

Are they on foundation or drawn comb ?

I can't think why you were advised to feed them ... a couple of litres to tide them over until they start foraging should have been enough ... come the autumn you may have to feed in readiness for winter but that's still a fair way off ...

 

[Gilberdyke John]

Hi All
I am a newbee as of July 8th. I have been advised by my local BKA to feed my bees. I started with a half-colony. In 48hrs the bees have consumed 8kgs (4kg Sugar + 4litres H2O). Sounds like a lot to me! Is this a normal rate; do I keep feeding?; Your help and advice is appreciated in advance.

Thank you.

Some background information would be helpful.
How did you acquire the bees and were they a nucleus, what are they housed in now, do they have drawn comb or more frames of foundation to draw comb on? If there's drawn comb are there eggs ie is there a laying queen?
Feeding 1:1 thin syrup can be a source of fuel to make wax to draw comb or it can give a boost to a colony which has poor access to forage. The trick is to not overdo the feeding (unless you are filling winter stores). If the bees are bringing in nectar and putting it into comb it suggests you can stop feeding.