Why do we feed thinner syrup in the spring than in winter? Do they need the extra water? Just curious . Harold
Thin syrup will be eaten and used to raise brood. "spring"
Thick syrup will be stored or later use. "fall"
Thin syrup is closer to nectar. Nectar coming into the hive induces the queen to lay eggs.
In the winter, we do not want to induce the queen to lay eggs and we want to give the bees something that is closer to honey so that they can store it with minimum amount of drying being required.
Jim
I guess he could post it but I will.....
http://www.bushfarms.com/beesfeeding.htm
>Why do we feed thinner syrup in the spring than in winter?
Misinformation. I feed thick syrup at all times because it keeps better. All the latest research (I think Randy Oliver just did some) shows that any syrup has the same effect.
I have seen thick syrup, 2X, stored and capped like honey. I do not see this with 1X syrup.
This is not what I read about, nor studied, nor experimented with, just an observation with my own eyes. Therefore I do not feed 2X prior to extraction of honey.
Blessings