Hi Ken,

We purchased fifty 3-lb packages of NWCarniolans this year and all but
one have consumed 3 gallons in the past 3 weeks.  I've been checking
them more regularly lately and found they'll consume their 3/4 gal
feeder in just under 2 days  - so yours & my bees are probably more like
little 'oinkers' than we've allowed them to show us.

I'll keep feeding them until the nectar is really coming in, gaged by my
older hives.  You should be just starting your flow (?) so I'd keep
feeding them for the next 2-3 weeks, or at least until they have a full
deep drawn.  "Bigger the better" on starting new packages - especially
on new foundation.

Regards,
Matthew Westall
Castle Rock, CO


Ken Adney wrote:

> 1st hive here in western Washington state. Our first 80 degree day is
> forecast for this weekend.
>
> Over 3 gallons of 1:1 (by volume) sugar water consumed in under 3
> weeks by my 3 lb package.  Outside 4 frames not yet drawn.  Continue
> feeding for another 3 weeks (or until they stop taking more)? Thanks.
>
> ken