I mostly want to grow bees this spring. I don't know where the pollen is coming from, but I can already see a steady stream of pale yellow coming in when they are flying.
Local beeks tell me that the spring flow usually really starts about April 15, but I know that last year the maple trees were in full bloom on March 8.
(http://doorgarden.com/images/strawberry-trees-in-bloom.JPG)
Anyway, my question. I already have dry sugar on both of my hives - which they are using - would it be productive to start feeding light syrup in addition to that? Productive as in stimulate brood. If I do get them to raise a bunch of brood now and it gets cold again in a few weeks - how bad would that be?
Right now we're in the middle of at least a two week period of warm weather (30s @ night 50s day MOL) and we might not even have much more cold weather, and if we do it usually only lasts a few days. Teens is cold here, and it almost never dips below 0.
I don't want to be reckless, but I wouldn't mind doing a bit of work (serving up warm syrup every morning and night) if it will be likely to result in more bees to work with this year.
we are unusually warm also and they are bringing in pollen. it is early. they will no doubt begin raising some brood now. if there is a real cold snap, some of that brood will be lost. on these days that have hit the 50's, i have put out a poultry feeder with syrup. so far, they are not to interested so they must still have plenty in the hive.
at this point, i use communal feeding away from the hives. i still don't want to have syrup on the hives. depending on what i see them bringing in next month and how our weather is, i will decide about using pollen patties. no point to it if they are bringing it in.
What is the disadvantage of feeding on the hive? What I'm thinking of is like a quart jar with a few small holes so that they can't really get too much at a time.
What is the pale yellow pollen that they are getting right now?
BTW, I appreciate how helpful you always are in the bee keeping parts of the forum despite... well, you know.
Yep, Kathyp is a blessing! We have lots of pollen coming in also. Checked the hives two days ago when temps hit 68F. They are laying brood, not a lot, but much more than last month. My communal open feeder (Bucket Feeder) was covered with bees. In three days they consumed 2.5 gals of light syrup. We are located 18 miles north of the Al/Fl state line. :bee: :bee: :bee:
Quotedespite... well, you know.
despite the fact that i am a bitter clinger? :evil:
the variation in temp between day and night can cause the feeders on the hive to leak. + it's much easier to put out a communal feeder and there is no risk of yellow jacket problems. i can put a bucket over the poultry feeder if it rains an not have to worry about covering every hive that has a jar on it.
i tend to be a bit lazy when i can get away with it. :-D
despite the fact that i am a bitter clinger? :evil:
Kathyp, Please say it aint so!!
I wouldn't start feeding just yet, that is, if they have plenty of stores.
Here in central Georgia we can start looking for Pollen now, Dandelions, puff balls, and our Maples and Winged Elms will be blooming next month.
If your bees have plenty of stores, I would go with feeding Pollen/Substitute Pollen :)doak
Quote from: kathyp on January 23, 2010, 09:05:16 PM
Quotedespite... well, you know.
despite the fact that i am a bitter clinger? :evil:
I don't quite know what you mean by clinger, but If I don't stop consuming so much news I'm gonna become a bitter old... I'm apt to turn into my father. Oh God.
Quote from: kathyp on January 23, 2010, 09:05:16 PMthe variation in temp between day and night can cause the feeders on the hive to leak. + it's much easier to put out a communal feeder and there is no risk of yellow jacket problems. i can put a bucket over the poultry feeder if it rains an not have to worry about covering every hive that has a jar on it.
I can see that being an issue.
Quote from: kathyp on January 23, 2010, 09:05:16 PMi tend to be a bit lazy when i can get away with it. :-D
Laziness is the mother of invention. Figuring out an easier way to do things is why we aren't all still grubbing in the dirt with a pointy stick.
So, how far from the hives is far enough?
Quote from: doak on January 23, 2010, 09:41:56 PM
I wouldn't start feeding just yet, that is, if they have plenty of stores.
Here in central Georgia we can start looking for Pollen now, Dandelions, puff balls, and our Maples and Winged Elms will be blooming next month.
If your bees have plenty of stores, I would go with feeding Pollen/Substitute Pollen :)doak
They are good on stores as long as you count the sugar syrup they stored away in October, and the sugar on top of the frames. They probably also have plenty of stored pollen. I don't expect them to starve. They might die of boredom.
Quote from: HAB on January 23, 2010, 08:44:47 PM
Yep, Kathyp is a blessing! We have lots of pollen coming in also. Checked the hives two days ago when temps hit 68F. They are laying brood, not a lot, but much more than last month. My communal open feeder (Bucket Feeder) was covered with bees. In three days they consumed 2.5 gals of light syrup. We are located 18 miles north of the Al/Fl state line. :bee: :bee: :bee:
You're probably a month ahead of us temp wise - or more.
QuoteSo, how far from the hives is far enough?
distance is not such a big deal at this time of the year. mine are about 50ft away.