How long to feed?

[LJH]

Okay, I know this isn't set in stone. I'm looking for opinions as I know people do it differently.

New swarm, new equipment including frames with foundation. How long would you feed them for? Read lots of opinions and contradictory advice, so just wondering. Not looking to turn into any form of debate so just an answer will do. I've read from a few days to the full first season, and everything in between.

Just need to know how long people feed for so I can decide what to do based on other peoples approach.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Dishmop]

Read lots of opinions and contradictory advice,

sorry to say but you'll get much the same here.. just different beeks opinions.

 

[Erichalfbee]

I wouldn't feed at all at this time of year unless the weather was dire, and then only a litre maximum. There is plenty of natural forage and the bees need room to brood not store nectar/syrup.

 

[Finman]

.
Forecast in Wigan is not splended if we hope nectar flow.

If the swarm occupyes 10 frames, give to it 6 litres 30 % syrup. Look after that what they have then done. But if the nectar flow is strong, do not give syrup.

 

[Gilberdyke John]

Okay, I know this isn't set in stone. I'm looking for opinions as I know people do it differently.

New swarm, new equipment including frames with foundation. How long would you feed them for? Read lots of opinions and contradictory advice, so just wondering. Not looking to turn into any form of debate so just an answer will do. I've read from a few days to the full first season, and everything in between.

Just need to know how long people feed for so I can decide what to do based on other peoples approach.

Thanks in advance.

I run 14 x 12 and feed one 2 litre batch of thin syrup unless there is a flow on when the bees forage their own wax making fuel. Note the feed is not given until day 3 after swarming.
Works just fine for me and my bees.

 

[dexter's shed]

on collecting a swarm in a poly nuc, I would fill the internal feeder up, and walk away for 3 weeks giving the queen a chance to mate and come into lay, they would have enough to build comb and go it on their own

 

[pargyle]

I run 14 x 12 and feed one 2 litre batch of thin syrup unless there is a flow on when the bees forage their own wax making fuel. Note the feed is not given until day 3 after swarming.
Works just fine for me and my bees.

Exactly what I do ... my swarm from a couple of weeks ago had 2 litres 1:1 and had drawn out two almost full frames inside of a week, they were initially hived in a nuc as it was big enough for them. Queen was laying in the new cells almost as soon as they were built. Moved them into a hive as soon as they were up to four built frames (dummied down of course).

Obviously mine were a Prime swarm - but I would not do things any differently with a cast.

(OMG .. what have I just said !).... those two words again ..... and near each other ...

 

[REDWOOD]

No exact measure, it's all about what they need, certainly a few pints to get them wax building and then have a look a week later, if they have built a few frames and have a bit stored leave them to it but if the weather turns bad with prolonged rain then give them another feed. One thing you don't want is the queen running out of cells to lay in as they have no fuel to wax build. suck it and see is not a good approach to beekeeping.

 

[madasafish]

No exact measure, it's all about what they need, certainly a few pints to get them wax building and then have a look a week later, if they have built a few frames and have a bit stored leave them to it but if the weather turns bad with prolonged rain then give them another feed. One thing you don't want is the queen running out of cells to lay in as they have no fuel to wax build. suck it and see is not a good approach to beekeeping.

+1 (ish)


I always let a swarm feed on their own honey stores for 2-3 days first.

 

[Finman]

walk away for 3 weeks giving the queen a chance to mate and come into lay, own

That 3 weeks makes no sense.

I have fed hundreds of swarms during my life.

Nothing special in that.


.

 

[dexter's shed]

That 3 weeks makes no sense.

I have fed hundreds of swarms during my life.

Nothing special in that.


.

it does not need to make sense to you, it's what I do with my swarms, feed and walk away giving the queen time to get mated,
the poster was looking for "what to do advice" we know from asking here he will get multiple replies, why do you feel the need to complicate it even more...
or do you just like arguing the toss

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

No exact measure, it's all about what they need, certainly a few pints to get them wax building and then have a look a week later, if they have built a few frames and have a bit stored leave them to it but if the weather turns bad with prolonged rain then give them another feed. One thing you don't want is the queen running out of cells to lay in as they have no fuel to wax build. suck it and see is not a good approach to beekeeping.

it would be wrong for anyone to give a 'hard and fast' answer - I tend to give a few pints a couple of days after hiving them but only yesterday I transferred a small cast which had settled into a bait hive over the weekend into a hive - they had one frame of drawn foundation and three with starter strips - they've drawn 30% of free comb but it's full of stores - as is 30% of the drawn frame leaving room for brood.
They won't be getting any feed!

 

[LJH]

Thank you all for the replies. I have my plan of action clear in my head. Most helpful