It would seem to be a reason the bags empty quickly, however when I tried
it I never filled my bags more than about half full to prevent this from
happening.
 
The bees did take the syrup down quickly enough, however I still prefer a
larger feeder myself, although the larger feeders do have a higher initial
capital requirement.
 
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> From: Gert-Paul Walter <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: problems with feeding syrup
> Date: Sunday, April 13, 1997 21:25 PM
>
> To all: an observation and a question-
>         There has been much discussion regarding feeding syrup on this
list.
> In the past, I tried various methods, settling on inverted 1 gallon
> plastic jars in an extra deep.  It took weeks for the bees to drain the
> jars, often leaving some syrup that got moldy.  The jars also collapsed
> in from the vacuum created by taking the syrup out.  Then I saw the
> discussion re the ziplock bag method, and it seemed to work wonders last
> fall.  The bees would clean out 3/4 gallon in 3-4 days.
>         This spring I fed using both methods, with the same results.
Today
> when I refilled the bag, I noticed something very interesting.  I
> refilled holding open the 2 parallel slits (an X slit makes the bags
> less stable on refilling) with 3/4 gallon and set it on a screen on the
> top frames.  None leaked out, and I closed up the hive.  I then did some
> other work and when I came back 15 minutes later, there was syrup
> leaking from the front of the hive!  Inside I found the top of the bag
> covered with hungry bees, and the weight seemed to be pressing down the
> bag around the slits and letting the syrup leak out!  Has anyone else
> noticed this, and is this possibly why the bags seem to empty so
> quickly?
>                 thanks Gert Walter