Preparing Feed New Bee's

[labradorfarms]

Ok how do I make my sugar and water mix for my new Bee's? I got the 1 to 1 part down , but I just want to be sure and mix is correctly on the stove....

What I know so far>>>>>>> Mix one part sugar one part water> Mine is filtered tap water..... Ok here's is where I am not sure?
Bring mix right to the point of boiling and remove? Is that correct?????

Also can I go ahead and prepare the feed today and store it in the fridge until my bees arrive???? 

[drlonzo]

WHOA...  You don't need to go to all that fuss..  Allot of beeks just use the hottest tap water you can get to mix with.  I do personally and it works great, especially on the 1:1 mix.  You don't need boiling water till the  2:1 mix.  Even then after letting the mix cool a little you can use the same day. 

You don't want to put the mix on the stove and heat all together as you chance carmelizing the sugar and it can cause the bees problems. 

Once you mix the batch up, you don't have to put into a fridge unless you want to coagulate the sugar ( crystalize it ).  Keeping it warm room temp is best if possible.

[don2]

I don't heat mine, some do. Put even amounts in a bottle of warm water. shake till clear. d2

[labradorfarms]

Thanks, I may just mix it tomorrow put it in a gallon jug and leave it on the counter.... When my bees arrive I don't want to mess around. I want to get them in get em fed and leave...

[BeeMaster2]

I never bring the water to a boil. When i do make sugar water, most of the time I just use hot water from tap or heat it up in the microwave oven. You do not want the solution to hot. Usually I can put mu finger in it and keep it there after I have stored it up.
Sugar water will stay well in the refrigerator. Not sure how long. Few days will not Hort it.
Jim

[RHBee]

Okay,  here is where I differ from others. I always boil my water first in the largest pot I have. I mix in a #2 wash tub. I find that the sugar dissolves faster. Less stirring.  It's all about personal preference.

[buzzbee]

Boiling the water and removing from heat is okay. You do not want to boil the sugar water mixture as it can caramelize the sugar,creating too many solids for the bee digestive system.
At 1 part water to 1 part sugar, getting it into solution is pretty easy with just adding hot water to the sugar.

[Joe D]

I don't boil mine either.  You will be getting a colony or two to start with probably.  A gallon will last both them for a few days, so I would just mix it up when they arrive or are in need of some more.  I run hot water a time or two into the container to warm it.  Then I put in a little water, add the sugar, and some more water, shake if in a sealed container or stir until dissolved and add the rest of the water if not there yet.  Let it set for a few minutes so it isn't hot and feed.  It only takes a few minutes to do.  Good luck




Joe

[drlonzo]

One thing is for certain, each and every one of us have our own personal way of preparing the mix.  If you take anything away from all our methods it should be just that you should find a method that works for you and doesn't hurt your girls, then stick with it.

[buzzbee]

You just need to be careful heating the water syrup combination already mixed. The boiling point is much higher which changes the makeup of the sugar and water. Just enough heat to put the sugar in solution. You don't want to "cook" it.

[sc-bee]

Also alot of folks get hung up on whether to measure by volume or weight. It ain't that critical. Remember the old saying " A pints a pound the world around" Other words 4lbs of sugar (where the heck you find a five pound bag now :?) 4 pints of water. Of course that is 1:1.

[RHBee]

One thing is for certain, each and every one of us have our own personal way of preparing the mix.  If you take anything away from all our methods it should be just that you should find a method that works for you and doesn't hurt your girls, then stick with it.

That's right. The point Ken brought up is very important. No need to ever heat syrup. I've seen variations in measurement practices. Some measure weight for weight others measure volume to volume. I believe that the important concept is to feed light syrup in spring and heavy in fall. Feed when there is need. Comb building, brood rearing stimulus, building stores for winter etc etc. Remember, observe what the bees need. Our job is to help them thrive.