Tim Dartt wrote:

> Spring is springing in Vermont!
> The weather is starting to reach temperatures above 50 degrees
> so I have attempted to start feeding my hive.
> The only problem is that the bees don't seem to be taking any of
> the sugar syrup!

The obvious question to ask as: "Do they need to be fed?"  If the hives
are heavy, and the combs of honey are arranged so as to be next to the
cluster, why would one want to feed anyway?  Maybe to medicate, but
fumadil should be given in the fall and terramycin should not be given
in syrup.  You say you have not been into the hives, but it is crucial
that you do in order to evaluate where the bees are in relation to their
stores.  If the bees are in the front left corner and the stores are
over to the right, movement of frames is obviously needed, for example.

However, if they do need feeding, the entrance feeder is not the best
for this time of year, when cold days still are to be expected.  Use the
zip-lock bag method instead.  It is much easier, cheaper and more
dependable than other feeding methods.

Ted Fischer
Dexter, Michigan USA