At 09:16 PM 3/31/03 -0500, you wrote:
>with 10 undrawn frames,
>HOW MUCH should food should I put in the hive
>before closing the top for the first time?

That depends on how often you intend on checking in on them.  When drawing
comb I would make sure that syrup is available at all times.  I'd give them
a gallon and check on them in 2-3 days.  I've seen swarms on foundation
consume 2 gallons or more in 3-4 days and built out a deep and medium in
good contitions (And in one case, since I couldn't get back to the hive for
over a week also they filled the box covering the jars on top.  And of
course brood in all boxes and the queen ended up in the wild comb at the
top, a big mess.



>And should I also feed pollen patties?
It might help, but shouldn't be necessary if pollen is available in your area.

-Tim

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