Some tips on open feeding::
Use THICK straw....I use at least 4 inches in my barrels..more like double 
that...lightly packed. Using thick straw you wont drown many bees.
If you use old or real thin straw that is kindve powdery, it will absorb the 
syrup and you will drown bees.

i put my drums that I open feed with in the shade or paint them light...If 
they are a dark color they may absorb the suns heat and heat up one side 
causing the bees to all go to the opposite side and cause an increase in 
drowning.

Go slowly with the open feeding. "learning curve". You can overdo it (make 
them honeybound-not having room to lay eggs).

I put my barrels at least 200 feet away, but I think this may not be totally 
necessary

John in UA 

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