John Taylor's book says to feed swarms a sugar solution made up of 20 pounds
of sugar to 1 gallon of water? That's a 2.5 to 1 strength- fall feeding
stuff. Not what I want to feed a fresh package.
I was taught (and have had success with) feeding packages and weak colonies
1 to 1 sugar syrup to simulate a nectar flow. The lesser concentration
simulates a natural nectar flow, and encourages the workers to draw comb and
the queen to lay eggs. Both of these are desirable in a package.
How long to feed? Maryland is funny in that respect, for no nectar comes in
during the summer. I (in Maryland) would feed a package at least until the
fall nectar flow starts, but I will be the first to say that is because of
our local condidtions.
W. G. Miller
Gaithersburg, MD