Weather for adding fondant

Stedic · Nov 24, 2018

Two hives have got really light, really quickly. I’m surprised - one took so much Invertbee that they ran out of laying space. Anyway, I’m going to have to feed fondant. I think I’ll put this directly on the frames.

It’s 6-8 degrees for the next few days, but dry. If I’m super quick will it be OK to pop the crown boards off, add an eme and fondant? They’ve got some stores so it’s not desperate, but I don’t see any warmer weather forecast.

Hivemaker. · Nov 24, 2018

Doesn't matter what the weather is like, if they need feeding, do it.

BeeSpace · Nov 24, 2018

I had to change out fondant tubs on two of mine last Tuesday when it was <5 degrees and started to drizzle while I was doing it. Wasn't ideal but they needed the fondant and it was the only chance I had - will probably have to do one or two others next week regardless of weather too. If it's got to be done, it's got to be done. As long as you're quick I doubt it would be much different to opening them for a winter oxalic trickle.

Curly green fingers · Nov 24, 2018

I agree with the above if they need it, put it on what ever the weather. last winter there was drifting snow and I put fondant on.

Sent from my 5051X using Tapatalk

enrico · Nov 24, 2018

Stedic, I am amazed that a hive that had a full brood box full of syrup needs fondant already!!!! I don't doubt you, but my flab is gahsted!
E

Stedic · Nov 24, 2018

enrico said:
Stedic, I am amazed that a hive that had a full brood box full of syrup needs fondant already!!!! I don't doubt you, but my flab is gahsted!
E

Mine too!

14x12, end of October there wasn’t a free bit of comb. In fact, I slid in a drawn frame to give her laying space. Consequently I have a spare couple of full combs but figure fondant is quicker.

They were a very big colony all summer, so I wonder if they had too many mouths to feed in the warm weather. They also have the crappiest roof, so while adding the fondant they also be getting an Abelo Poly crownboard and roof. No signs of robbing or other issues, so I don’t think it’s that.

I had one other light colony, but they’ve been odd all season. I am no hefting expert so just comparing different hives, but two certainly do feel light.

Millet · Nov 25, 2018

You are not alone...one hive out of the six i have at one spot has done the same as yours.. they all took the same amount of syrup and all felt like they where glued to the floor..one particular hive lost weight rapidly and i have no idea why..all the others still weigh a ton...needless to say fondant was given to that colony last week end.