feeding new package

[robinh]

I installed a new 3# package the  30th of  May with a top feeder.I added 1/1 SS with Honey b healthy .After  about a week bees still not using top feeder at all .The 8th of June still no bees at feeder, so I took top feeder off and replaced with a jar feeder over inner cover hole.I checked the jar feeder the 11th very little SS gone .My question is why they are not consuming the SS?This package was installed in a 8 frame med. with 8 frames and foundation .I would think even with  nectar coming in they would still need SS for building out comb.

[RHBee]

If the bees are building comb and not hitting the 1-1 then you have a good flow on. How much HBH did you add per quart? The max is 2tsp per quart. By now they should have a substantial amount of comb drawn.
Ray

[Steel Tiger]

 If the bees are building, they must be getting nectar.

[robinh]

 I use 2 tsp per quart on the HBH .As I have stayed out of the box , only checking the feeder I can't really say how built out the foundation is,but looking up through the SBB they look as if 4 out of the 8 frames are drawn.I am gonna go in them this afternoon to check a SHB trap.Thanks for the any help guys.I am finally after 25 years getting back into beekeeping .There are so many different problems for bees now compared to the 70's and 80's.I have really missed it as i have always had a passion for beekeeping since my grandfather gave me my first hives back in 1974.

[schawee]

sounds like you have a good flow going on.they wont take the sugar water if a flow is on.     schawee

[robinh]

thanks Schawee,if that is the case do i need to remove the feeder ? I looked at it yesterday and a little is gone,Only about a pint gone in a week.There has been a  little bit that has drizzled down through the SBB onto the hive stand .

[rookie2531]

I am new this year but, I have been feeding 1/1 syrup since install and before the flow and even though they don't use the syrup as much, they still use it. as far as hbh, I do use 1 tsp. per quart, not 2 because of the last ingredient that emulsifies, I heard is not very healthy for the bees.

[robinh]

Instructions per label  ( mix 1 tsp. ( 5ml ) per quart SS which can be increased to 2 tsp. (10ml ) per quart for maximum efficacy)

[AliciaH]

I, too, mixed a "maintenance" level when I used HBH and the bees wouldn't take it.  Had to cut down to the 1 tsp/quart and then they seemed to take it better.

I have had better luck with ProHealth than HBH.

[robinh]

thanks Alicia, I will try and see how that works