Confused about feeding!

[Matt J]

This whole feeding thing is really confusing.  When you get packages like I did, you are advised to feed to help them build comb faster.  The problem is, in my area, packages come during a nectar flow, which is when everyone says you're not supposed to feed.  Now, I have added my second box, and I want them to quickly draw it out, but I also don't want them to back fill the brood nest and swarm.  But it seems to me our nectar flow here in North/Central Alabama is coming to an end, so i don't want them to starve.  I have one hive right now that is going through 1:1 very vast.  Hopefully is is because they're building a ton of comb in that second box. 

[GSF]

Are you feeding at the entrance? If so it may be robbers helping to suck it down. The flow has certainly died down around here except for the popcorn trees (Chinese tallow) In your situation I'd keep feeding since it's a package trying to build up.

Go to a feed store and buy some vitamins and electrolytes plus. Put about a tablespoon in about 4 quarts of mixture. Also put a spoon of organic apple cider vinegar per quart of sugar. This will help them rock and roll.

[Matt J]

Good to know about the electrolytes. I only feed from mason jars over the inner cover enclosed in a hive body. May be because the population has about doubled over the last couple weeks.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk