Paul Cronshaw wrote:
 
>It seems that I have taken a little too much honey this season from my 4
>hives and they will be short supply over the approaching winter months. The
>Blue Gums do not flower until December in Santa Barbara.
>
>What type of feeders work the best:  Division boards (full or super size),
>feeder pails, or entrance feeders.?
 
   In your area, because of Argentine ants, you would be best off with
in-hive board feeders.
>
>What ratio of sugar to water provides a good winter feed?  Can honey be
>added to make it more palliative?
 
   The standard rule:  2:1, sugar to water, in the fall and a 1:1 ratio in
the spring. However, the 2:1 is a bit too concentrated, as I will point out
in a short article now in preparation.
 
   Normally one should not use honey because of the possibility of disease
spread.  By itself, sucrose (table sugar is the best), but an addition of
some fructose and glucose make a more readily acceptable feed for the bees.
 
 
                                                Adrian
 
Adrian M. Wenner                         (805) 893-2838 (UCSB office)
Ecol., Evol., & Marine Biology           (805) 893-8062  (UCSB FAX)
Univ. of Calif., Santa Barbara           (805) 963-8508 (home office & FAX)
Santa Barbara, CA  93106
 
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