How long to consume syrup?

[DavePaulson]

I installed three 3 lbs packages on new plastic foundation. On average how long should it take a hive to consume a gallon of 1:1 syrup fed from a gallon jar placed over the hole in the inner cover? We have no other nectar sources at this time.

Thanks

Dave

[Mklangelo]

Dave,

I fed my new 3 pound packages syrup and they are consuming about a liter every two days.

per colony

[GerryL]

Dave:
I have the same setup 3lb. package. It took about two weeks, I put the bucket on the 15th, I changed it yesterday. Good luck.

[lively Bee's]

If they have no flow then just a few days.  But if they have a flow it could weeks.

[Brian D. Bray]

Having just installed 4 packages I find it interesting which bees are doing what.  The 2 NWC are concentrating on foraging and pretty much ignoring the syrup.  The MH are about 50:50 taking the syrup but still foraging, though not as heavily as the NWC.  The Italians are lazy; they are sucking down the syrup as if there were no tomorrow and very little forage activity.
If weather permits, tomorrow I'll remove the queen cages and check on syrup levels and comb build out as well as see if the queens have started laying in the comb being drawn out.  Weather I decide to refill the feeders will depend on syrup level usage and comb build out.  I have a feeling that with the NWC, I maybe removing the syrup and just letting the forage.

[sandhya]

I am seeing them go through about a quart every 3 days..unless you count today, where I put a new can in, and it leaked too fast out of the holes and into the hive, (about a pint worth) so they will be lapping it up as it puddles inside all the next couple days..these guys are so sugared up they are hyped. :evil: