Just for curiosity, are there those of your here wintering in either zone 6, 7, or 8 who feed with jar top feeders through the winter? When I say jar top feeders, I am referring to a hive top with a hole just the right size for a feeding jar to fit in, with no inner cover. Allowing the bees to have full access to the feeder just above, for access on warmer days. I am not limiting this to only zone 6, 7, and 8. I would like to hear your experiences as well from other areas. It is just that I am in zone 7..
Thanks..
Starting in December I will feed my weaker hives for maintenance if needed. A lot depends on how much they have stored going into the winter. The "winter" around is more of a dearth starting in November with about a month of chilly weather into February when the Red Maples bloom and all heck breaks loose. I've never had to feed continuously all winter there seems to be enough Spanish Needle in bloom to keep my hives going but I will tip the hive to make sure they have some weight.