Feeding

[Beemum]

I moved colony into new hive (BB+new super) 3 weeks ago; BB frames now mostly full of honey - capped and uncapped - with areas of pollen, some brood, and a small amount of comb being made on top of central frames, just touching the super frames, which aren’t yet drawn at all.

I had thought I’d be feeding later in the month (we still have a good flow here but cold nights due next week), but having seen a post saying take off undrawn supers, do I still offer syrup once the flow has finished, just in case they have a few gaps to put it in? And if so, how long would I leave the Miller feeder on please, to make sure they’ve taken all they need?

Thank you.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Sounds like they don’t need feeding. Just keep an eye in them through the winter

 

[Frosty27]

Sorry to hijack the thread i had a question. I have three colonies, have started feeding syrup. Two colonies are taking it down fast. The third one isn't touching it. I have dribbled it down the feed hole. But they still don't fancy it. Should I be concerned?

 

[Anduril]

I moved colony into new hive (BB+new super) 3 weeks ago; BB frames now mostly full of honey - capped and uncapped - with areas of pollen, some brood, and a small amount of comb being made on top of central frames, just touching the super frames, which aren’t yet drawn at all.

I had thought I’d be feeding later in the month (we still have a good flow here but cold nights due next week), but having seen a post saying take off undrawn supers, do I still offer syrup once the flow has finished, just in case they have a few gaps to put it in? And if so, how long would I leave the Miller feeder on please, to make sure they’ve taken all they need?

Thank you.

We are now into September, the super needs to be removed, they will not draw it out this time of year. Heft the hive to see how heavy it is.

 

[drex]

Sorry to hijack the thread i had a question. I have three colonies, have started feeding syrup. Two colonies are taking it down fast. The third one isn't touching it. I have dribbled it down the feed hole. But they still don't fancy it. Should I be concerned?

Do they need it? Have a look or a heft to gauge stores they already have

 

[Anduril]

Sorry to hijack the thread i had a question. I have three colonies, have started feeding syrup. Two colonies are taking it down fast. The third one isn't touching it. I have dribbled it down the feed hole. But they still don't fancy it. Should I be concerned?

Heft the hive for weight, what do the bees look like, are some of them hairless and greasy looking?

 

[Beemum]

Thanks everyone and no problem Frosty it all helps us new bees to learn! What is the significance of hairless and greasy bees please, I don’t think I have any of those but I’ve got plenty of super-fluffy ones atm…

 

[Ian123]

The super fluffy ones are likely to be young and that’s a good sign! Have you treated for varroa? Remove the super! whilst they will happily draw foundation this time of the year it really sounds like they don’t need it or the space for winter. With some undrawn or partial drawn/used frames in the brood I’d start a slow feed with thymol pushing these frames up against the brood area, continue your inspections and rotate the frames or move others as needed/filled. Keep your entrance small and ensure brood area is adjacent to the front door….Proactive beeks will loose fewer hives monitor and heft throughout the autumn and winter. Well fed heavy hives can chew through stores, feeding liquid in my area can be done very late if needed or weather permits. But best not to leave to late if the weather turns very cold and catches you out.

 

[Cuckmere couple]

i think i have previously over fed

i dont add supers or nadir....i do feed between ivy and temps dropping and then observe to see if fondant is needed, but they tend to come out of winter pretty full