Nucs & fondant

[jonnybeegood]

As a new beekeeper i find it hard to understand why after all these years, makers of hives. & nucs arent allowing for bees to be fed fondant. They make ekes, why not make something to make it easy to feed fondant? I keep reading about people making their own smaller ekes, using fondant & having to insulate around it etc, why dont they make an insert to make feeding fondant so much easier, i'm finding it a pain with my nucs & it will be as bad with my hives :-(

 

[Swarm]

A case of cost and demand I suspect. As you've probably read here, there are many ingenious ideas that pretty much cover these little problems.

 

[Erichalfbee]

AND it would take all the fun away if we couldn't conjure our own bits and pieces......

 

[fatshark]

I suspect it's partly because many beekeepers don't keep nucs overwinter … hence supply and demand. There are lots of easy solutions. A lump of kingspan with a cutout for a plastic carry-out tray filled with fondant inverted over the feedhole in the crownboard work just fine.

 

[REDWOOD]

+1

 

[jonnybeegood]

I suspect it's partly because many beekeepers don't keep nucs overwinter … hence supply and demand. There are lots of easy solutions. A lump of kingspan with a cutout for a plastic carry-out tray filled with fondant inverted over the feedhole in the crownboard work just fine.

That suprises me? I thought most beekeepers would make some nucs, especially if they have out apiaries, so they could keep nucs closer to home in case of disasters or emergencies? Then if they dont need them they could sell them?

 

[Goran]

Why don't you make plain feeder rim and put fondant on top bars when needed?

 

[jonnybeegood]

On a poly nuc?

 

[Goran]

I never had poly nuc to know how different it is, can't go up wooden parts? I made from scrap wood m.nucs and nucs and feeder rims. I don't overwinter mnucs, for my beekeping not needed.

 

[Swarm]

I agree with Goran. A simple wooden frame to accomodate the fondant is all that's required, maybe a bit of sanding or whatever so the roof fits nice and snug.

 

[jonnybeegood]

I dont like the idea of going for a poly nuc for the extra warmth, then adding wooden parts, i am going to use the poly eke, put the fondant on top of the frames & cut out some insulation to cover it. No great trouble i just thought after all these years these things would have been ironed out by the makers. Its always good to make things yourself but when its for several nucs & hives its getting the time & weather to do it.

 

[Goran]

You should use what you think is best for your situation. My beekeeping is turning to "minimalistic", always think how to cut the costs with waging would I lose on quality. When find solution that works superb and is for a nickle I am happy as a kid..
Regards.