"No matter what, feeding encourages the larger colonies to rob the weaker
colonies."

Jeff,
have you tried robbing screens?  Essentially a vertical 3/4" piece of lumber
on either side of the entrance going up a few inches, with screen across the
front.  Beetight on all sides except the top.  Hive bees learn to detour up
to get out or in.  Robbers aim toward the colony scent and butt heads
against the screen at the entrance.  This is the only way we can feed nucs
some years.
Randy Oliver
Calif

-- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ and  other info ---