In response to the question about refilling the zip-lock bags: No, we don't even try; we consider them expendable. I buy the institutional size pack of bags from Sam's Warehouse (200 bags). I make up my syrup at the house and fill 1 gal jugs and fill the zip-locks on site. Had too many problems with the bags leaking while travelling on bumpy roads to the out-apiaries. Try hefting the colony to guage amount of stores and feed all the light ones. Need to make several trips with the bags, though, not enough to do one time. Jerry Gerard P.Worrell Beekeeper with 25 colonies (410)257-3267 Dunkirk,MD USA Pres. Assoc. of Southern MD Beekeepers Life member MD State Beekeepers Association,VP for Calvert Co.