"Bill here is a DPI produced document on the feeding of bees. "
That doc is actually a Doug Somerville production Pete, a relative newcomer to
the industry, it is not just that publication alone I and others take issue with
in Doug's (errrr) let's say 'ignorant enthusiasm' - when running unchallenged
amongst those genuinely seeking accurate devolution of husbandry topics - that
has looks cast his way by those with broken backs and bee money in the bank.
Some strange views on important topics as AFB and package builds has our Doug,
bless him in his G'mnt charge.
You bring that (comment) to the table. And now you also bring a new timeline, as
an afterthought I note. These are reactives, not the contribution of a thinker, Peter.
Like Kanga - and no doubt those paying attention to frame scans - "white stuff"
in frame cells is usually clearly something else other than RJ. However in giving
you the benefit of the doubt in actually knowing RJ when you see/feel/ taste it
I can only insist this materal is RJ, as to why it is there *and* having stores
added on top is as put "weird". Just as weird as a bee owner attempting to
excite bees into expansion immediately before a weather period known to vary
wildly in bee friendly conditions.
You keep right on feeding lollywater as you will, and if not paying attention to cell
builds over what's left of April at least turn an eye to the sky - midmorning on any
fine windless day. As *if* that there is RJ then there is only one impetus bees have
to produce it.
Compliments
Bill
(edit)
On reading your OP Pete my first thought was actually around SHB contamination of
some stores, as this is what SHB does do even when in small numbers. I discounted
that based on your observation the cells were still being used to deposit stores on top
of the "white stuff"... hygenic bees would not do that I would offer. In my experience
they chase them out and renovate the cells.
However my personal hands-on SHB experience is not a bible as it is mainly cutouts and
rescues I have seen SHB in numbers, our colonys are pretty much SHB free.
So, I consulted with a peer well experienced and SHB savvy as he battles them constantly
every summer. His take on those pix says it is not SHB. His suggestion though was helpful
in that taking a syringe and collecting it to sample a spoonfull will soon rule out contaminant
*AND* jelly storage. Quite 'safe' as the bees are a virtual canary in these things - his words
not mine.
Enjoy your egg today.
Bill