In a message dated 27/02/04 05:04:38 GMT Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:


> But, I have had problems with adding foundation "before" the flow starts.
> If foundation is put on a hive, with no flow, the bees often chew the
> foundation down to the wires, ruining it for future use.
>
> I have the answer to this.  Don't give foundation in large sheets, which
> must be unnatural things for bees to cope with in any case.  I tend nowadays to
> 'wire' frames with fishing line and use narrow starter strips of foundation
> to set them off on the right lines.
>
> To reinforce what Robin wrote about feeding sugar, if you need to do so it
> is a sign that you are being greedy: either by robbing your bees of their seed
> corn as well as harvesting their surplus; or by keeping more bees in an area
> than can be justified by the forage available. However, I can see that in
> some circumstances, for example to fulfil pollination contracts it is necessary
> to do the latter.
>
> If the beekeeper wants to feed sugar and maintain quality control of the
> honey produced he should dye the sugar a colour that is not usually seen in
> food, such as blue.
>
> Chris

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