Granulated sugar feeding bad for bees?

twb · November 11, 2007, 03:23:30 PM

I was told that feeding straight granulated sugar was harmful because they can not digest it or something like that. Recently I have read of several who place it on newspaper on top bars and I like the concept for its simplicity. I have a hive reduced to a single deep box and I am thinking of placing granulated sugar on top if some of you can assure me it is safe for the bees. Thanks.

JP · November 11, 2007, 03:39:56 PM

Sucrose or table sugar is safe for your bees.

Kathyp · November 11, 2007, 03:42:06 PM

i don't think it is meant as a substitute for syrup feeding. it is something i do in the winter in case the bees need emergency feeding and i can not get into the hives. i also wonder if it would be effective in a dry climate. we are so wet that the granulated sugar absorbs moisture and is probably easier for the bees to use. it also takes up that moisture that might sit on my inner cover, so it is a benefit to me in that way.

syrup feeding is probably best with the dry sugar saved for emergency feeding.

Cindi · November 11, 2007, 04:24:45 PM

Granulated sugar is just fine for the bees as an emergency feed. When honey is consumed by the bees, moisture is released, so maybe the sugar would have some degree of moisture in it for sure regardless of a dry climate. Have a wonderful and great day. Cindi

Robo · November 11, 2007, 06:10:28 PM

Quote from: Cindi on November 11, 2007, 04:24:45 PM
When honey is consumed by the bees, moisture is released, so maybe the sugar would have some degree of moisture in it for sure regardless of a dry climate.

That is one of the benefits of sugar boards, the moisture condenses on the sugar and the bees use it to consume the sugar.

I've bee feeding granulated sugar and sugar candy for many years with no issue.
http://robo.bushkillfarms.com/beekeeping/emergency-feeding/

Michael Bush · November 11, 2007, 06:43:42 PM

>I was told that feeding straight granulated sugar was harmful because they can not digest it or something like that.

They can't eat it without water, but they can't eat honey without water either. They won't take it as rapidly as syrup. I'm trying it after seeing how well candy boards worked on a friends hives and decided I was too lazy to make the candy. And I expanded and don't have that many feeders. I hadn't planned on feeding, but the failure of the fall flow forced my hand.

twb · November 12, 2007, 04:34:46 PM

Good, with all your assurance I will try it. I have a division board feeder in the wall frame position now. It has probabably been drained by now. Should I leave it in place empty to fill that space or replace it with a frame of foundation? If it were earlier in the season I might try filling a frame of drawn comb with syrup but now it is too late for capping and would cause more moisture and dysentary problems correct?

Michael Bush · November 12, 2007, 07:54:39 PM

Does it look something like this:
http://www.bushfarms.com/images/SugarFeedingFrame.jpg
http://www.bushfarms.com/beesfeeding.htm#drysugar

You can fill it with dry sugar. :) or leave it empty or fill it with syrup.

http://www.bushfarms.com/beesfeeding.htm

twb · November 12, 2007, 08:26:59 PM

Yes, MB, it looks exactly like that except probably mine has drowned bees where yours has sugar. Sounds like I can't go wrong. Maybe I will refill it with 2:1 and put granulated on the top bars so they have a choice. The ants won't know where to go first :) (until we get some cold weather). Thankyou