keep feeding?

[JP]

started two Russian colonies last May, just did first inspection since winter,
bees seem ok but there is no honey in either hive. A local friend said I needed to get in my hives asap & remove any extra honey, & mentioned there would probably be some crystalized honey to watch out for but there is none. I stopped feeding them on his advice, yesterday, but I'm thinking I better put the feeders back on since we are not in the Honeyflow yet.

Thnx for your input.

[JP]

left out some info.
today it's near 80 degrees, we've had a mild winter, honeyflow very soon.

[Robo]

Why would you remove any extra honey at this point?   If there is no honey and there is no nectar flow you need to feed them.

[JP]

Just what I,thought. so I put the feeders back on just now. I guess I was just looking for some assurance, considering this is my first real season fooling with bees coming out of wintering. My friend has never looked at my hives but he assumed the above aforementioned. He has ben beekeeping for twenty yrs & supplies pest free honey so I know he has a clue.

[Michael Bush]

If they are light and there is no flow you should always feed them or give them frames of honey.  If they are still heavy, I wouldn't feed them syrup.

[TwT]

wonder why he would want you to remove the remaining honey??? it kinda early for a flow there aint it?? have you asked why he would tell you thisor what was the reason for taking the honey off??

[Finsky]

If there is too much honey/sugar after winter it restrict the egg laying area. It is usual in one box hives. But take away and feed, that is nonsence. Allways bees need 2 full frame food in their one box hive

If you want to encourage brood rearing the only method is pollen patty. Syrup does not engourace brood raising if bees not get pollen. Vain feeding just take usefull room from brood.

We have here beekeeprs who believe that sugar is enough to raise brood. It means nothing if they have even done it whole their life.

Look spring feeding from internet.
.

[Jack Parr]

started two Russian colonies last May, just did first inspection since winter,
bees seem ok but there is no honey in either hive. A local friend said I needed to get in my hives asap & remove any extra honey, & mentioned there would probably be some crystalized honey to watch out for but there is none. I stopped feeding them on his advice, yesterday, but I'm thinking I better put the feeders back on since we are not in the Honeyflow yet.

Thnx for your input.

Depends where you are.  I am in way south LA and there is some nectar available right now plus a continous supply of pollen  going into the hives. The clover is blooming, white clover that is.

The workers were hustling yesterday, and, they do so most everyday. The weather has been mild for the most part.

Who supplied you with the Russians?

[Finsky]

Depends where you are.

I looked forecast of Louisiana. Day temperature is 75F.  It is good summer weather in my life. Night temperature is  50F ( morning 04:30)

If you have too much last summer honey in your hive, do this:

Take extra food away so hive get more space for brood. When you give third box, give those old honey frames in the middle of brood area. Bees clean frames and lift honey upstairs. Brake cappings before yout give frames.

[Michael Bush]

>If you want to encourage brood rearing the only method is pollen patty. Syrup does not engourace brood raising if bees not get pollen. Vain feeding just take usefull room from brood.

I second that.

[JP]

thnx for the responses, I know sometimes it's just a matter of using common sense, but I like the feedback from people with experience, it helps a lot.

...a little more info, going into winter, my bees had stored honey, & I did feed them (although sporadically) in retrospect, I'm thinking not enough.

They are continually bringing pollen back into the hives (I have watched them do this even in warmer days during winter)

Queens seem healthy, brood & eggs apparent.

Jack, got the Russians from Louis Busby in Varnado.