how much??

[MJBee]

I like to get the syrup into the hive while the weather is good enough to check how much is stored in the frames. As soon as I estimate they have 40lbs I weigh the hive and that gives me a bench mark to use for the rest of the winter. As has been said elsewhere the weight is not all that important it is the RATE of change that prompts a fondant feed.
Mike

 

[VEG]

The other factor is if there is a warmish spell in winter followed by a cold snap they can use up stores quickly then. This is where fondant is handy.

 

[shonabee]

Thanks all. I will try to get plenty stores in place, in the hope that I can keep fondant as a just-in-case measure.