uncapped winter stores

[echidna]

Everything I read about winter preparation refers to weights or numbers of frames of honey that are needed, and to provide syrup if a hive's stores don't meet this requirement. I've provided a lot of syrup for the last month so the bees now have plenty of that in combs, but I've been advised that if it isn't capped by now then it probably won't be, and might therefore ferment. Most of the comb in my hive is uncapped.
I can't find any discussion about lack of capping as an issue in the context of winter stores, rather than in the context of honey collection. I'd appreciate any views on whether this is a problem and if you agree, what's the solution?
Thanks very much from a first year beekeeper.

 

[Erichalfbee]

I’ve never had concentrated syrup ferment in the hive and I don’t always add thymol.
If they take syrup down quickly it’s not surprising
There’s plenty of time for the bees to cap what they have stored anyway.
If you have checked for disease, treated varroa and checked you have a queen it’s time to stop inspecting
I did all that a month ago and haven’t looked in since.

 

[enrico]

Everything I read about winter preparation refers to weights or numbers of frames of honey that are needed, and to provide syrup if a hive's stores don't meet this requirement. I've provided a lot of syrup for the last month so the bees now have plenty of that in combs, but I've been advised that if it isn't capped by now then it probably won't be, and might therefore ferment. Most of the comb in my hive is uncapped.
I can't find any discussion about lack of capping as an issue in the context of winter stores, rather than in the context of honey collection. I'd appreciate any views on whether this is a problem and if you agree, what's the solution?
Thanks very much from a first year beekeeper.

You don't have a problem. Don't keep opening them to look and you will worry less. Heft the hive from the back to feel the weight now and heft every fortnight. Have some fondant ready for the spring incase it's long and cold and your hefting tells you the hive is very light. You have done all you can so sit back and relax. Maybe consider a winter varroa treatment if that's what you do! Wel done on a successful first year. You still have bees.....
E

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

I’ve never had concentrated syrup ferment in the hive and I don’t always add thymol.
If they take syrup down quickly it’s not surprising
There’s plenty of time for the bees to cap what they have stored anyway.
If you have checked for disease, treated varroa and checked you have a queen it’s time to stop inspecting
I did all that a month ago and haven’t looked in since.

the bees will cap the stores when they have time on their hands - they're probably too busy collecting nectar from the ivy to waste valuable time wax making at the moment.
I do sometimes wonder who makes up some of these beekeeping 'rules' and on what actual facts they base their 'knowledge' on.
It's way past inspecting time now, you don't want to be in there undoing all the work the bees do in sealing everything up for the winter. time to relax and plan for the winter sales

 

[Swarm]

My colonies usually have a fair amount of stores in the brood box after the supers come off. During treatment I assess conditions, if it's fine they'll be bringing something in and piling Ivy in if it's in flower. Weather here has been awful so not many foraging days, I've given three feeds of four pints. One hive on double brood has had no feed.
I don't feed by the gallon and the Ivy usually delivers, better that the queen has space to lay those Winter bees. I will see how they are at the end of the month or when the Ivy is going over and top them up.
A lot will depend on your bees, mine are very frugal.

 

[echidna]

Thanks very much - that's all reassuring.