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Post by steve on Nov 5, 2004 12:14:36 GMT -7
I was wondering if sugar candy is a way to help out the bees in the winter time with hives that are weak on stored honey.
It says to make 4 parts sugar to 1 part water, heat and stir untill dissolved. Pour on wax paper sheets and let cool. Place candy sheets over brood frames.
I know that you can just use plain sugar but it would last longer in the hard rock form,
But will the bees use it?
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Post by drew on Nov 5, 2004 20:57:52 GMT -7
kinda late in the year, maybe on a sunny day you could mix 2-3 parts sugar to 1 part water, and pour inside a feeder in the hive, ???MAYBE  Kinda late to do any feeding. Something is better then nothing I guess. Or save your money and time cross your fingers and buy nucs in the spring. |
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Post by NormCounterman on Nov 5, 2004 23:48:11 GMT -7
Drew, reading between the lines through your posts here i get the Idea that you are going to be a fantastic beekeeper.  Keep up the good work!  Oh yeah, emergency feed; granulated sugar.  Normy |
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Post by steve on Nov 7, 2004 21:26:52 GMT -7
I can see some beekeepers would rather not do anything to help out the bees in the winter by trying to get them extra feed.
When your running over 100 hives you just don't let your hives die an buy new nucs in the spring.
I have been running feeders for the last month even if they don't need it and i plan on adding feeders and dry pollen in January to give the girls an extra boost for the up coming season.
The syrup, the raw sugar and the hard candy should help out the girls, it can't hurt.
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Post by drew on Nov 8, 2004 22:02:40 GMT -7
Didn't know we where running 100 hives, what the heck why have those bees not been feed up already  I don't disagree with the granulated sugar, but won't that be harder for the bees to take up. I would think you need something fast, warm, and liquid. Also a warm day to break cluster At this point I won't open a hive. I have given them every grace I can at this point, God and nature is all that is left |
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Post by HarryVanderpool on Nov 9, 2004 17:25:09 GMT -7
Righto, dry sugar is harder for them to take up. BUT! You can place it in the hive and when they can work it, they work it. Feeders will turn to a solid block throughout the winter. Also, by placing the sugar dead center above the cluster, they don't have to go far and it's warm up there. I've been doing this on all of my hives weather they need it or not for years. (right or wrong  ) Harry |
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Post by steve on Nov 9, 2004 23:17:59 GMT -7
Harry , Drew
I have a way that I can feed the bees all winter even in the freezing weather.
I take an additional deep box without the frames with a plywood divider with a 1 1/8 hole drilled in the center, I have been using the plastic one gallon top hive feeder, I put the metal lid on the top and if it is really cold I wrap a little house insulation around the jug.
It keeps the syrup from freezing and the bees seem to use it up pertty fast.
Since I have been feeding them they are doing a lot better, even adding more stored honey to the frames.
I think by spring of next year that there will be some pertty strong hives.
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