Feeding Fondant To Bees

As the temperature starts to rise in early spring, it’s crucial to prepare our beekeeping practices to ensure our bees thrive after the long winter. In this guide, we’ll go over tips on how to feed bees during winter and conduct early spring hive inspections. These practices are fundamental for maintaining healthy bee colonies.

Feeding Bees in Winter

During the cold winter months, bees may not have sufficient resources stored in their hives. Feeding them properly can help in preventing starvation and aid in their survival as they prepare for the warmer days ahead.

Ingredients for Bee Food

When considering what to feed our bees, here are some ingredients that work well:

Sugar syrup (1:1 ratio of sugar to water in spring)
Protein patties (contains essential proteins like soy and brewer’s yeast)
Pollen substitute (available in various commercial formulations)

Instructions for Feeding Bees

Here’s how you can prepare and provide feeding to your bees:

Prepare a sugar syrup by dissolving granulated sugar in warm water. Allow it to cool before introducing it to the hive.
To make protein patties, combine your protein sources (like soy flour, sugar, and some water) to form a thick paste. Shape it into patties that you can place on the bees’ hive.
Position the food directly on top of the frames within the hive and cover them properly to protect from moisture.
Check the hives regularly and add more food as necessary, especially during severe cold spells.

Early Spring Hive Inspection

After feeding, it is equally important to inspect your hives early in spring. This helps ensure that your bee population is healthy and thriving.

Gently open the hive, taking care not to disturb the bees too much.
Inspect the frames to check for signs of growth and to ensure the queen is present and laying eggs.
Look for any signs of disease or pests, and take appropriate action if needed.
Ensure that there are adequate food reserves in the hive. If the bees are consuming the sugar syrup, be prepared to refill it.

By following these steps on feeding your bees in winter and conducting early spring hive inspections, you are taking critical steps towards healthy beekeeping practices. Remember, the well-being of your bees is paramount to a successful and productive season!