How do I know when I have fed enough syrup?

[bobba]

I am feeding my bees with syrup. But am unsure how much to feed them, or how to tell when I have given them enough.

Unfortunately I don't have a clue how much syrup I fed my bees last year, or eactly when I fed them. (improvements to record keeping have been implemented)

I have read so much conflicting advise regarding feeding, I am a bit confused.

Some sources say feed until they will take no more, others say you risk overfeeding and leaving no laying space.

Some say heft the hive, others say count the frames of stores.

Some say feed until they have x pounds of stores, but how can I tell how many pounds of stores they have?

Any advice on when, how much, and how to tell when they have had enough would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance as always.

 

[user 819]

One can estimate stores if a stores check is carried out by adding up any part or full frames of stores. A BS shallow frame 2 - 2.5lbs, BS deep 4 - 4.5lbs & a 14 x 12 6 - 6.5lbs. I err on the lower side when checking.

Feeding syrup wise 2:1 strength using 8lbs of sugar will equate to about 10 - 12lbs of stores depending on how much they work it.

 

[bobba]

One can estimate stores if a stores check is carried out by adding up any part or full frames of stores. A BS shallow frame 2 - 2.5lbs, BS deep 4 - 4.5lbs & a 14 x 12 6 - 6.5lbs. I err on the lower side when checking.

Feeding syrup wise 2:1 strength using 8lbs of sugar will equate to about 10 - 12lbs of stores depending on how much they work it.

Thanks, the info you have provided is exactly what I needed to know.

 

[drex]

Or you can just weigh the hive and subtract the weight of an empty. Whatever method you choose, also heft the hive at the same time. That way you will soon be able to judge just by hefting. Only took me a couple of years!

 

[user 819]

Once my colonies are provisioned I heft them with just my index and middle fingers to gauge weight and then as winter turns to spring will have an idea if any colony is too light.

In #2, I should have mentioned just in case of doubt approx frame weights are for one complete frame and not for each side.

 

[Ian123]

Beekeeping by numbers or set figures is problematic feed 20 hives the same amount and results can vary widely. Some will feel nailed to the ground others will turn it into brood there are many variables, feed and check monitor over the autumn. Some that are fed to the brim now will be light in October/November be proactive. Many colonies are lost by those that think the jobs done!

 

[Monbees]

Or you can just weigh the hive and subtract the weight of an empty. Whatever method you choose, also heft the hive at the same time. That way you will soon be able to judge just by hefting. Only took me a couple of years!

How on earth do you weigh a hive?

 

[Erichalfbee]

How on earth do you weigh a hive?

Luggage scales
Lift each side a cm or so (no more) and add. Gives a fair approximation

 

[GuyNir]

Beekeeping by numbers or set figures is problematic feed 20 hives the same amount and results can vary widely. Some will feel nailed to the ground others will turn it into brood there are many variables, feed and check monitor over the autumn. Some that are fed to the brim now will be light in October/November be proactive. Many colonies are lost by those that think the jobs done!

Agree lots of variables. Also need to remember the population you see now is bigger (sometimes much bigger) than what will really be overwintering.

 

[Gilberdyke John]

With wooden floors it's easy to screw in a metal "eye" at either side to engage the luggage scale hook. Poly requires a bit of engineering thought. With a bit of experience you learn to judge by hefting.

 

[E&MBees]

With wooden floors it's easy to screw in a metal "eye" at either side to engage the luggage scale hook. Poly requires a bit of engineering thought. With a bit of experience you learn to judge by hefting.

This is a definite beginners question, but do you screw the metal eye into the side of the brood box or the side of the floor? I’m assuming from the comment above, it’s the floor. When hefting, is it worth removing the roof, or do people leave in situ? I have one 6” roof which is really heavy, the other is a shallow one.
Thanks.

 

[Erichalfbee]

This is a definite beginners question, but do you screw the metal eye into the side of the brood box or the side of the floor? I’m assuming from the comment above, it’s the floor. When hefting, is it worth removing the roof, or do people leave in situ? I have one 6” roof which is really heavy, the other is a shallow one.
Thanks.

I have hooks screwed into the floor. All my poly boxes are on wooden floors.
It doesn’t matter about the roof as long as you are consistent.

 

[E&MBees]

I have hooks screwed into the floor. All my poly boxes are on wooden floors.
It doesn’t matter about the roof as long as you are consistent.

Thanks. Another job to sort this weekend, along with vaping OA for varroa.

 

[gmonag]

How on earth do you weigh a hive?

Like this:

 

[GuyNir]

I have hooks screwed into the floor. All my poly boxes are on wooden floors.
It doesn’t matter about the roof as long as you are consistent.

And remember to remove the rock/s on top
My luggage scale has like a wide flat J hook at the end, attached nicely to the back of the poly hives.