Brian Tassey wrote
>I would be interested in what you would have to say on the rule of Sugar
>syrup in the fall, pollen supplement/substitute in the spring.  If you use a
>supplement/substitute would you be willing to share it?  I've had problems
>with the mix becoming hard as a rock when I've used soy-based materials.  How
>did the baby nucs work, are they worth  the extra expense?
 
One spring, very early I observed bees on my bird feeder, rolling around
picking up seed dust that made me adjust my view of spring stimulation. I
always ensure that my hives have plenty of stores in the fall. It is, I
believe false economy to keep the bees tight on stores over winter, to save
a few dollars, and risk losing a hive to winter kill. I had placed feed on
the hives 1-1 sugar, but they didn't want it. One morning I watched dozens
of bees rolling around picking up seed dust, it was very cold. In fact I was
amazed to see bees flying. So , my logic asked, if they are prepared to fly
approx 500 yards, would it not be simpler to supply it closer to the hives?
        So I made up a covered shallow feeder, added regular pollen
substitute, and the bees went berserk. Within a short time that feeder was
covered in bees, picking up the pollen, and the hustle and bustle was fun to
watch. Jean didn't believe they could fly they were so laden down.
        In the meantime the sugar wasn't touched. I believe the trigger to
increased brood rearing is amongst other things the influx of pollen. We try
to arrange matters approx 6 weeks before the first nectar flow.
        Final point, to stop it going hard I only put out enough for them to
pick up quickly.
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   * David Eyre          9 Progress Drive, Unit 2, *
   * The Beeworks,    Orillia, Ontario, L3V 6H1.*
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