Last Year I Started Beekeeping - So Exciting

[sgtmom52]

I do believe some type of pollen substitute should be given in the fall especially if they have no reserves for winter. Hopefully sgtmom will chime in.

I use sugar syrup until the temps start to really drop, usually Oct after that if they still need sugar I switch to fondant. Just like chickens too much moisture in the hive is hard on the bees, so they need to have time to cap syrup before it gets too cold. You can use 2:1 syrup for fall feeding so they can cap it faster.

In most areas supplemental pollen is not needed going into the winter. In PA we have more than enough fall pollen producing plants for the bees. The best time for pollen feeding is in late winter (Jan/Feb) to encourage early brood rearing.

 

[madamwlf]

See, I knew she would pop along and have the right answer.

 

[Happy Chooks]

Thanks a bunch!

So 2 sugar to 1 water? And what's fondant? Then in winter Jan/Feb switch to a pollen patty? I'm in Northern CA - we get snow, but not a lot. Not sure about our fall pollen here, but I don't think there is much available.

Sorry for so many questions.

 

[sgtmom52]

Thanks a bunch!

So 2 sugar to 1 water? And what's fondant? Then in winter Jan/Feb switch to a pollen patty? I'm in Northern CA - we get snow, but not a lot. Not sure about our fall pollen here, but I don't think there is much available.

Sorry for so many questions.

Yep ~ 2 parts sugar to 1 part water ~ makes a thick syrup that the bees can use / cap faster.

Fondant is that sugary cake icing professional bakers use. You can by it ~ but make sure you get pure sugar fondant with no additives. In the past we got ours wholesale in 50 pound blocks from a local bakery that supports beekeeping. You lay it on top of the hole in the inner cover and the bees can feed on it all winter whenever it is warm enough for them to break cluster.

You can also make your own fondant ~ a hot messy job, but not too bad if you like to cook. It is basically sugar & water ~ some people as a tiny bit of vinegar or cream of tarter to help it set better. There is a lot of cooking and stirring involved. There are a lot of recipes on the internet.

I'm not sure if this link will work, but this guy (an American Beekeeper living in Taiwan ) walks you through his method with pictures.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...58150438.49546.100003485564169&type=3&theater

 

[Happy Chooks]

Wow, never would have thought about baking fondant. I gave the bees the 2 to 1 sugar water so they can get It packed away in the comb before winter.

So, once it really cools down, switch to fondant. Then in jan/feb, switch to pollen patties to stimulate brood rearing.

There is so much to learn! Do you even feed established hives? Or is this just a first year thing? Just curious.

 

[CSWolffe]

Just had my first harvest from my new Warre hive!
The Warre is much smaller than a Langstroth, and focuses more on natural bee behavior over maximum honey harvest. I still managed to extract just over two gallons of honey! In my first year, too!
I only pulled the top of four boxes, and they still have a full box of capped honey, a full box of honey/brood, and the third box I believe is starting to fill with brood. More than enough honey to last the winter.
I expect to be able to harvest another box next spring during the flow, and another in the fall. Double this years harvest. Soooo excited!

 

[Happy Chooks]

Nice!

I can't wait for spring and my first harvest of honey.

 

[sgtmom52]

Wow, never would have thought about baking fondant. I gave the bees the 2 to 1 sugar water so they can get It packed away in the comb before winter.
So, once it really cools down, switch to fondant. Then in jan/feb, switch to pollen patties to stimulate brood rearing.
There is so much to learn! Do you even feed established hives? Or is this just a first year thing? Just curious.

You feed the hives that need a little extra to get them through the winter. They could be new hives or ones that you have had for years. Not all hives will need fed.

 

[Happy Chooks]

I'm convinced beekeeping is going to drive me crazy. I give my bees a waterer near their hive with rocks in it so they don't drown and where do I find them getting a drink? From 2 different chicken waterers that are farther away than the water I gave them. (and I have an entrance feeder for them as well)

 

[sgtmom52]

I'm convinced beekeeping is going to drive me crazy. I give my bees a waterer near their hive with rocks in it so they don't drown and where do I find them getting a drink? From 2 different chicken waterers that are farther away than the water I gave them. (and I have an entrance feeder for them as well)

I know how you feel. I swear that I'm going to give my girls one of my Beekeeping Books to read over the winter so they learn to do things how I think they should!