Hungry bees

[bcup]

Hungry bees – good a small nun of bees started feeding syrup in October - haven’t really taken. Now very hungry but now taking feed. Have got a frame feeder and bucket feeder. About 100 or so bees, queen right.

Ideas as to what to do now…..?

 

[Erichalfbee]

A hundred? I’m afraid they are doomed.
When did you get the nuc and have you treated for varroa?

 

[bcup]

Yes treated for varroa - Knocked them down from brood box to 5 nuc, early sep as full box was to much so I could block the entrance better to prevent wasps

 

[Sutty]

If you have a  very strong colony you could take bees from you could spray with air freshener and shake some in, but not a great idea in the cold (and shaking the Q in would be a disaster).
I doubt it's worth trying.

 

[pargyle]

If you have a  very strong colony you could take bees from you could spray with air freshener and shake some in, but not a great idea in the cold (and shaking the Q in would be a disaster).
I doubt it's worth trying.

Terrible idea .. with 100 bees it's pretty much doomed .. dummied down, well insulated and fed - 10 % chance but they might make it through.

 

[ericbeaumont]

About 100 or so bees, queen right

Poly nuc, one frame of comb & bees, two frames of pollen & honey; dummy the rest of the space with a piece of PIR. Feed fondant (not syrup) and push it down the feeder slot so that it contacts the top bars. BS & OCFH poly nucs are best for this as the feeder floor has a removable silicone plug. Tape a slice of something solid to the mesh floor and don't give up hope.

 

[Dodge]

If you have a mini mating nuce placed then within a hive they may have chance.

 

[Macbear]

If you have a mini mating nuce placed then within a hive they may have chance.

Also noting ericbeaumont's suggestion. How BK's explore every possible rescue plan for their colonies! I admit that I have an emotional attachment to my bees, and feel sadness when other BK's report colonies as lost or in serious peril.