--- Peter Dillon <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
...Visit the same boxes 14+ days later and when
testing the weight, often a
>    loss has occurred. To the extent that 2+ gallons
> have to be put back
> on to feed to get the required weight.

It
s possible that you may have been weighing the 'nectar
weight'.  A colony may collect 300 up to 500 pounds of
nectar per season.  Same as in nectar, this syrup
would take several days to dry and consolidate the
stores.  Added ventilation will aid in this process.


> I wonder if others have noticed a trend in increased
> requirements to get
> colonies up to winter weight.

I have not noticed this, but I do find that the
position of the cluster going into winter can be an
important factor in ease of cluster movement in
consuming stores.


Joe Waggle ~ Derry, PA
Small Cell Beekeeping
‘Bees Gone Wild Apiaries'
http://www.biologicalbeekeeping.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Organicbeekeepers/



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