fondant

[marmite]

I have not fed the bees this year due to medical problems and just ordered some fondant. It seems quite solid so should I soften it somehow?Thanks

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

No, the bees will sort it - what fondant did you buy?

 

[Curly green finger's]

I have not fed the bees this year due to medical problems and just ordered some fondant. It seems quite solid so should I soften it somehow?Thanks

Ive been storing mine outside in a shed and I've been bringing it into the honey room for 24hrs before I make fondant boards, which helps to soften it a bit.

 

[BernardBlack]

Would the amount of fondant intake depend on how cold it is, or the amount of stores?

In other years, my colonies didn’t seem to take much fondant, until around new year. Which I assumed was due to them not wanting to leave the cluster in cold temperatures and/or having enough stores.

This year it’s been milder, but one hive has nearly finished a pack of fondant already, and it was only added at Halloween.

 

[oliver90owner]

First question is “do they need it?” If they don’t, the OP’s question is irrelevant. They may need fondant if short of stores after about the middle of February, but not now if they are well stocked.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Would the amount of fondant intake depend on how cold it is, or the amount of stores?
This year it’s been milder, but one hive has nearly finished a pack of fondant already, and it was only added at Halloween.

Probably because they don't 'need' it so, as it's still mild enough for them to forage for water, they've been storing it.

 

[marmite]

No, the bees will sort it - what fondant did you buy?

No, the bees will sort it - what fondant did you buy?

it was called bakers fondant from simon the beekeeper

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

it was called bakers fondant from simon the beekeeper

Bees will cope with it fine