> ...all the dead bees that accumulate in open
 > drums and the bees would not be crawling on top of each
 > other as bad...

It seems that most people have never seen open feeding properly, by a
capable and scrupulous beekeeper..

The quote illustrates one of the typical objections to open feeding.  It
very well describes a poor feeding job, but does not apply where the
open feeding is done properly by a careful and observant beekeeper.

For proper open feeding, the syrup must be thick and fresh.  The
containers must be clean and _have sufficient surface area for the
number of hives being fed_.

The straw must be of the right sort that does not flake or easily soak
up water.  Flax is good.  Unchopped and unpressed wheat straw is good.

Rainwater must not be allowed to accumulate in the drums, wet the straw
or dilute the feed.

If these conditions are carefully observed, open feeding is quite
hygienic, fighting is minimal, and there are almost no dead bees left
when  the drum is empty, usually in a day.

Try it some time.  Facts and experience overcome prejudice.

'Nuff said.

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