I have noticed that some quality nucs are being released this time of the year by major, quality breeders.
Today a small amount of pollen was coming into my hives for the first time in over three weeks. I am new to the state of Missisippi (one year) but as I understand it, when the temps are as hot as they have been, nectar is not produced even if flowers are present.
What would a new nuc feed on from now until October? For that matter, what will my bees eat?
Later,
John.
They eat pollen and nectar. Pollen is coming in from most anywhere from flowers to grasses. And they are collecting a little nectar. Bees have been around for a long time. Check them to see how light they are in food stores, then you can feed syrup.
Duh,
I know they eat pollen and nectar, but if no visible pollen is entering the hive from 6:00 am until the end of each day for weeks at a time, then they ain't gettin' nothin' to eat. Been totally dry since March (trace rain one day middle of April).
Quote from: johnpfaff on June 07, 2011, 12:30:46 PM
Duh,
I know they eat pollen and nectar, but if no visible pollen is entering the hive from 6:00 am until the end of each day for weeks at a time, then they ain't gettin' nothin' to eat. Been totally dry since March (trace rain one day middle of April).
How close are you to the Mississippi River? The ecology of blooming plants along the river is totally different from areas away from it. I'm not sure you can see all pollen. I can easily see the yellow and orange pollen but darker colors may not really be noticeable.
I am about seven miles away from the MS River and live on a lake. Popcorn? trees are coming into blossom - I can only find one within a mile or so, bees will find more. Pollen coming into hives from 6:00 am today until at least 10:30, a really good thing - nothing prior for three weeks.
At temperatures hovering around 100 degrees, does nectar production cease?
Just wondering.
John.
john ,when it's hot and dry they still bring in nector .the nector producing plants and trees just don't produce that much.as for as the new nucs not bring anything in ,if thats the case, you will have to feed them with sugar water. ...schawee
I fed 1:1 in a hive-top feeder about a week ago, and this started robbing that lasted for three days. Hive entrances are reduced to one bee width in this heat. Cypress branches are piled over hive entrances - I think this is what finally stopped the robbing. Remote feeders are now setup to distract the robbers. Pollen substitute is on the way from Dadant, but appears not to arrive today.
Didn't know bees were so needy.
Later,
John.
Pollen patties in the summer may not be a good thing. They are like an open buffet for SHB.
Will feed dry pollen substitute in a bird feeder.