No honey in the brood box

CBT · September 06, 2014, 12:28:20 PM

An old friend asked about his hives having honey in the super and little or none on the brood frames. I am not sure if maybe he can't see it or not. We will go look next week. He says he is feeding a gallon of heavy syrup per day and seems to be a strong hive otherwise. Welcome any and all comments.

rookie2531 · September 06, 2014, 02:32:41 PM

I just went in one of mine today to check if queen was alive since there wasn't any open brood in my top super, as she is my best layer, and there is capped all over. The bottom deep had little syrup/honey and the top has little as well, even though there is empty comb all over from bees emerging. I did see open brood in the bottom, so I'm glad for that, but that hive also is drinking 3/4 gallon of syrup a day and not gaining much weight.

Maybe in a couple weeks I'll start to thicken the mix.

BeeMaster2 · September 07, 2014, 08:11:03 AM

Quote from: rookie2531 on September 06, 2014, 02:32:41 PM
I just went in one of mine today to check if queen was alive since there wasn't any open brood in my top super, as she is my best layer, and there is capped all over. The bottom deep had little syrup/honey and the top has little as well, even though there is empty comb all over from bees emerging. I did see open brood in the bottom, so I'm glad for that, but that hive also is drinking 3/4 gallon of syrup a day and not gaining much weight.

Maybe in a couple weeks I'll start to thicken the mix.

Make sure that SW is not just draining out on its own. Since you are feeding 1:1 you are encouraging brood production just like there is a major flow on. As far north as you are, you might want to increase that ratio to encourage storing the SW since they do not have any. Remember, SW is not the same as honey. It is not the same ph and does not support the same antibiotics as honey.
Jim

rookie2531 · September 07, 2014, 03:01:15 PM

Jim, I doubt it is draining. The inner cover that the jars sit on are bone dry. I am trying to trick them on purpose, still trying to build them strong from that double July split and get them to draw as much as possible. I am pushing them to the very limit.

And CBT, Your friends hive probably has some stored. Are both brood and super available to the queen and is she laying heavy in both? 1 gallon a day for 2 boxes seems like there should be a little weighted.

CBT · September 08, 2014, 07:22:26 PM

Yes there is honey but he thought it was very odd it was only in the super and not so much around the brood. I know they will put it where they want it.

CBT · September 09, 2014, 10:29:06 PM

All is well some honey in the brood box and lots in the super. It must have been over looked with dim light of the evening. It always helps to have an extra pair of eyes looking with you.

Kathyp · September 09, 2014, 11:20:29 PM

rookie remember that if the weather changes, it will be hard for them to cure and cap honey. you may end up building up a hive that starves for lack of stores.

sc-bee · September 10, 2014, 02:20:33 AM

Quote from: kathyp on September 09, 2014, 11:20:29 PM
you may end up building up a hive that starves for lack of stores.

Southern NC is not without some flying days almost every week IMHO. At least not for long......maybe a cold spell or two. And you can usually get some feed on.....

BeeMaster2 · September 10, 2014, 05:30:32 AM

CBT,
You mention dim light in the evening. Sounds like you are in the hives close to or after sundown. I usually try to bee out of the hives about an hour before sundown. They can get very defensive from late inspections.
Jim

rookie2531 · September 10, 2014, 01:12:32 PM

Quote from: kathyp on September 09, 2014, 11:20:29 PM
rookie remember that if the weather changes, it will be hard for them to cure and cap honey. you may end up building up a hive that starves for lack of stores.

I have been thinking about that. That will bee my next topic/?.