At 11:40 AM 4/21/95 -0600, Jerry J Bromenshenk wrote:
>Also, Joel says he is using a 1:1 sugar solution, that is pretty weak and
>could do as much harm as good.  Generally a 2:1 sucrose to water ratio is
>recommended.  Even that concentration may stress the colonies because
>the bees have to evaporate off excess water and convert the sucrose to
>glucose and fructose.
 
I disagree.  A 1:1 solution is what one should be using in late
spring.  A 2:1 sol'n is appropriate fall-winter.  Both are much easier for
the bees to take down than stronger solutions (like honey).  A 1:1
solution encourages build-up of colonies in the spring.  At that time
colonies also have a high demand for additional water as well.  Bees will
commonly forage for water while being fed in order to dilute stores and
keep larvae moist.
Conversion of sucrose to glucose and fructose is relatively cheap
for the bees and a little invertase goes a long way.  Provided there is
proper ventilation (but there should be anyway, to handle metabolic water),
I do not see how 1:1 could do any harm whatsoever, and certainly not as
much harm
as good!  Several experts recommend feeding 1:2 (with very small holes
in the feeder) in the spring to simulate nectar flow for build up, but
I have no experience with doing so.  I would like to hear more about the
basis of how feeding stresses colonies, and the degree of stress vs
benefits.
 
Dr. Wayne E. Esaias                                     [log in to unmask]
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