Too early for syrup?

RZRBCK BEE · February 28, 2012, 10:01:28 AM

I was wondering if I can go ahead and start feeding syrup seeing as I think winter is just about over here in Arkansas. The temps are getting up in the high 60's in the daytime but still dropping into the 30's occasionally at night. Bees are flying and looking good and still eating the fondant that I gave them but I would really like to feed syrup pretty soon. Any ideas?

Vance G · February 28, 2012, 11:03:28 AM

When the bees can get out to fly regularly, I see no reason not to feed syrup, if it is your practice. Your days have to be warm enough to hat that syrup up after the cold night. That is why I like baggies on the top bars in the early spring.

RZRBCK BEE · February 28, 2012, 11:53:57 AM

I understand the reason for not feeding syrup when it's too cold for them to fly and I have used baggies and frame feeders both but what would be the advantage of a baggie over a frame feeder at this particular time as far as temps go? Less moisture frome a baggie or easier to heat up? Thanks for your advice also.

Randy

Finski · February 28, 2012, 01:31:16 PM

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If the hive has enough capped stores, sugar or syrup feeding gives no advantage to the build up. It only tire the strenght of bees. They need all muscles to gather first pollen and it has only meanng to Spring build up.
Wintered bees are not long living. No extra work to them.

Jim134 · February 28, 2012, 03:57:03 PM

Quote from: Finski on February 28, 2012, 01:31:16 PM
.
If the hive has enough capped stores, sugar or syrup feeding gives no advantage to the build up. It only tire the strength of bees. They need all muscles to gather first pollen and it has only meaning to Spring build up.
Wintered bees are not long living. No extra work to them.

If you are feeding for the spring build up why not feed pollen all so :? Just my $0.02

BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)

Finski · February 28, 2012, 04:02:05 PM

Quote from: Jim 134 on February 28, 2012, 03:57:03 PM

If you are feeding for the spring build up why not feed pollen all so :? Just my $0.02

That is the wise way. Patty has 50% sugar and saves present stores and adds brood on maximum level.

RZRBCK BEE · February 28, 2012, 05:02:02 PM

I haven't really tried pollen patties yet but have been thinking about doing it.

Jim134 · February 29, 2012, 06:33:44 AM

Quote from: RZRBCK BEE on February 28, 2012, 05:02:02 PM
I haven't really tried pollen patties yet but have been thinking about doing it.

RZRBCK BEE............
I see you live in AK. if you have Small Hive Beetle (SHB) thy love pollen patties so I've been told.

BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)

RZRBCK BEE · February 29, 2012, 10:30:01 AM

Quote from: Jim 134 on February 29, 2012, 06:33:44 AM
Quote from: RZRBCK BEE on February 28, 2012, 05:02:02 PM
I haven't really tried pollen patties yet but have been thinking about doing it.

RZRBCK BEE............
I see you live in AK. if you have Small Hive Beetle (SHB) thy love pollen patties so I've been told.

BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)

Thanks Jim. Honestly that's the reason I haven't tried them yet but have thought about it since I hear of alot on here talking about using them.

Randy