Sugar Water

[steveouk]

I was reading an interesting article on bee's and sugar content. apparently according to the article bee's prefer sugar concentration at 30%

http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/15/honeybee-flower-scent.html

Has anyone else seen any studies like this ???

[Tucker1]

Hi Steveouk:  Can't say that I have, other than most of the books seem to indicate that the concentration sugar in water should change over the course of a year. Some of the published literature indicates that the spring feeding should be a ratio of 1:1 by weight or volume and the fall feedings should be 2 parts sugar to 1 part water.  I've always tended to be a little heavy on the amount of sugar in the water. With the weather in eastern Washington finally warming up, I find that my largest hive can easily go thru a good 3 quarts of sugar water in 2-3 days. My newest hive will go thru a single quart in about the same period of time. Right now, the girls only appear to bringing in pollen, althou I suspect their also bring in some nectar.


Hope this helps.

Regards,
Tucker

[doak]

I have always used 1:1 and 1:2 and had no problem. :)doak

[iddee]

Using approximate numbers, if you mix 2 quarts water with 2 quarts sugar, you will get about 3 quarts syrup, resulting in 2/3 water. Therefore, 1 to 1 is approx. 30% sugar.

[doak]

Have to confess, I don't measure. I just fill a 2 liter bottle half full of sugar and finish filling with super warm water, then "shake it up baby" :roll: :shock: :)doak