Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: Davepeg on February 02, 2014, 09:24:45 am

Title: Feeding today? Bees are gathered on top
Post by: Davepeg on February 02, 2014, 09:24:45 am

Rockland NY - We took a quick look at the bees yesterday (3 hives) two of the hives have bees all on top, I'm concerned they are running low on food.  Since today is supposed to be in the 40's can I put a bee tea ziploc bag feeder on top of the frames to feed?  I ordered some pollen patties but they have not arrived.  Should I go buy some organic pollen and try making my own? 
Really don't want to lose the girls after making it this far through the winter.

Any suggestions \ advice is appreciated.

Peg

Title: Re: Feeding today? Bees are gathered on top
Post by: buzzbee on February 02, 2014, 09:28:42 am

I'd stay away from liquid feed this early.
http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,36001.0.html (http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,36001.0.html)
Winter emergency feeding.

Title: Re: Feeding today? Bees are gathered on top
Post by: tefer2 on February 02, 2014, 10:06:12 am

No liquid in this weather.
A candy board, brick, or chunk is what we use this time of year.
We still have a lot of winter left up here.

Title: Re: Feeding today? Bees are gathered on top
Post by: iddee on February 02, 2014, 10:50:41 am

Not only no liquid, but pollen is for brood, not adults. Bees need sugar. Brood needs pollen. Feed pollen now and the queen will start laying, meaning more mouths to feed. Feed dry sugar, fondant, candy board, etc. ONLY.