Feeding stimulants?

[Hotburn76]

Been getting a lot of my info and training from the web and YouTube.  I was curious as to what and when you guys use feeding stimulant's?  It seems like I hear a lot about Honey B Healthy and on Mann Lakes site I think its called Pro Zhealth.  What's everyone's opinion on it and what kind and methods do you like?

[sc-bee]

I don't use any. I rarely have feed in the past five years as the honey I have left has covered the need. That will not be the case this winter. I have a gallon jug of HBH I inherited.

Based on others be careful when you feed during a dearth with HBH it may stimulate robbing. I posted a thread a while back that included a stimulate a queen produces in WA state feeds. She has had great luck with if. It contains a small amount of electrolytes.

[Hotburn76]

Thanks!  But what's a Dearth?

[RHBee]

Thanks!  But what's a Dearth?

A time of year when there is no nectar flow. No natural food available.

[Vance G]

Feeding stimulant which is often just lemon grass oil in the mix, is used when you want the bees to take feed rapidly.  If you spill it or  give it to a weak colony and don't severely restrict the entrances, you may set off a robbing frenzy.  I only feed it in baggie feeders or top feeders that can only be accessed from the inside.  Feeding is just a tool. We seem to have a lot of people around here afraid of hammers. 

If you use feeding stimulants to excess, you can cause serious problems that damage your colony.  Used correctly and judiciously feeding can be very beneficial. 

[BeeMaster2]

Hotburn,
I have a bottle of HBH that I bought my first year. Haven't used it since and I rarely feed my bees. Bee careful how much you use.
Jim

[sc-bee]

We seem to have a lot of people around here afraid of hammers.  
If you use feeding stimulants to excess, you can cause serious problems that damage your colony.  Used correctly and judiciously feeding can be very beneficial.  

I love hammers. Especially when the handle end is attached to someone Else's hand  :-D

A lot of folks do preach against feeding. I will feed if needed. It can be beneficial. When you feed try and stay away from an entrance feeder(ie broadman) if you have more than one colony or another keeper near by. As stated above it may induce robbing. When I feed I use jar top feeders that can only be accessed from inside the hive.

[GSF]

Welcome Hotburn, ask as many questions as you'd like.