Feeding Fondant

[babathemba]

For those who have tried fondant for spring feeding, can you tell me how much you put on per hive (preferably in weight, ie. in lbs) and how long it lasted?

[bassman1977]

Funny.  I just got done doing that.  I fed to 3 hives and used a 10 lbs bag of sugar to make the bricks.  They were about equal in size.  Say 3 or 4 lbs or so (compensating for the water content).

As far as how long they last...that's a good question.  I was going to ask the same thing.  Also, I was curious if they stored the fondant in the cells at all or are they just eatting it from right where it is?  The next couple days (today included) are supposed to be in the high 40s to high 50s so I expect they will be going gang busters on the fondant.

On another note, 2 of the 3 hives I opened today were doing real well.  Bees bursting from the seams and very active.  The other, alive but with a very small cluster.  That is my Carniolan hive.  Do Carniolans winter a small cluster?  This wasn't a large hive to begin with but if they can make it a few more weeks, they will be just fine.

[woodchopper]

I went into our hives in Maine and I'm guessing that us adding fondant a month ago aided in our girls still being alive. I didn't want to chill them so I didn't go into the hives to check for reserves but will do that when it gets warmer. Even though it was quite chilly all three hives were feeding on the fondant. I added another 5" by 5" by 1/2" block to the hives even though there was plenty of the month old blocks left. These are Carniolans and the number of bees still alive appeared to be very low. Alot of dead girls outside of the hive but I guess it's a good thing that they are keeping the inside of the hive clear of dead ones. Our fingers will be crossed until warmer weather gets here.

[reinbeau]

One thing we were told when we picked up these bees was that they overwintered in a very small cluster but exploded like gangbusters in the spring, so that's what we're hoping will happen.

I too would like to know if they eat fondant or store it.  Anyone know?

[the kid]

Ive been told they will only eat it if they need it,,,they dont store it ,,,   they will eat it fast if they need feed so look when ever it gets 20 pluse dergrese .with no wind .  just lift a little to peek ..  mine have been taking feed from mid Jan ,,,I feel its cheeper to feed then to replace ...
the kid


at a 1.80 for 4 pounds and  $72 for three pounds of girls ,,  I will have to feed them 40 pounds of suger to start going in the hole

[Moonshae]

As far as I know, they only store liquids. I also would only feed fondant if they're nearly out of stores...not really any point if the hive is chock full of honey. Let them make space for brood and nectar in the spring, first.