Feeding syrup/fondant

[GavB]

To be honest ive been abit lazy over the last few weeks with my bees due to work commitments! I checked them yesterday and they have stopped taking the syrup down (before they were emptying the feeder once or twice a week). I assume by this the comb will be fully loaded with winter stores. I am going to take the feeders off them and place some fondant in next week when im back from work. Is it best to put it on top of the frames with the hive roof only over (ive got poly hives which have a cut out on the underside of the roof for this) or leave the plastic screen over the frames with a hole in where the feeder has been and just place an upside down tupper wear box over the fondant. I also noticed some condensation on the underside of the perspex covering the frames is this alright, i have the board in under the mesh floor of the hive to help keep the warmth in. How much fondant do you think I should I buy for over winter? I have a langstroth jumbo nuc and hive.

Cheers and thanks!

Gav

 

[enrico]

I don't put fondant on until they need it, and that may not be this year. You have fed them, that should be enough. Heft them in January and make sure the hives are not lightweight.if so then put some fondant on then
E

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

I don't put fondant on until they need it, and that may not be this year. You have fed them, that should be enough. Heft them in January and make sure the hives are not lightweight.if so then put some fondant on then
E

 

[Millet]

I don't put fondant on until they need it, and that may not be this year. You have fed them, that should be enough. Heft them in January and make sure the hives are not lightweight.if so then put some fondant on then
E

The fellow in question is unsure what to do so hefting will blow his mind

 

[Murox]

Bit of condensation is normal. You have fed them well, so no need for fondant right now. A box of fondant is probably enough for your needs.

 

[enrico]

Just in case you didn't understand, hefting is lifting the hive from one side by putting your hand under the floor and lifting the whole hive about an inch. You can feel the weight. It should be really heavy at this stage. When you can lift it with no effort at all then you know most of the stores have been used up.
E

 

[Cuckmere couple]

i want to take my syrup feeders off and just leave insulation but every time i check...like just now....they still look like theyre feeding

taking them off needs the bees inside shaking out and the crown board hole covering up again and i dont want to do this when it gets v cold...its quite mild currently!

hmm

 

[Newbeeneil]

i want to take my syrup feeders off and just leave insulation but every time i check...like just now....they still look like theyre feeding

taking them off needs the bees inside shaking out and the crown board hole covering up again and i dont want to do this when it gets v cold...its quite mild currently!

hmm

If it was me I would shake the bees from the feeder into an eke above the crown board, put the roof on and leave for a few hours, the bees will retreat back below the crown board as it cools down and then you can go back in and put in some insulation at a later date.

 

[Cuckmere couple]

good idea, will do

 

[thorn]

Just in case you didn't understand, hefting is lifting the hive from one side by putting your hand under the floor and lifting the whole hive about an inch. You can feel the weight. It should be really heavy at this stage. When you can lift it with no effort at all then you know most of the stores have been used up.
E

It's easy to forget how the hive felt last time, if you only heft fortnightly. I use a luggage scale to enable me to keep an accurate record.

 

[Beefriendly]

Good man...great if you only have 3 hives....no Problem at all.

 

[Millet]

It's easy to forget how the hive felt last time, if you only heft fortnightly. I use a luggage scale to enable me to keep an accurate record.

Not for thee.. i have a good idea what each one should weigh..

 

[Codford]

It's easy to forget how the hive felt last time, if you only heft fortnightly. I use a luggage scale to enable me to keep an accurate record.

Ditto.

 

[enrico]

It's easy to forget how the hive felt last time, if you only heft fortnightly. I use a luggage scale to enable me to keep an accurate record.

So do I but I was trying to keep it simple!

 

[Hivemaker.]

It's easy to forget

A brick works well.

 

[Codford]

A brick works well.

How?