<I've been "discussing" this with the co-keeper of our hives:
 
should we bee feeding 1:1 or 2:1 sugar:water at this time?
 
I think that 1:1 will encourage egg production, but he says that if
the queens not laying by now we're in trouble anyway, and that we
should be giving them lots o'food.
 
Opinions?>
There appears to be some confusion amongst many beekeepers about feeding at
this time of the year, March and April.  This letter is, of course, aimed at
the novice and amateur. Commercial beekeepers do not need suggestions from a
hobbyist.
We feed in spring for various reasons.  Stocks have been steadily eating
stores since last autumn. Consumption is low in mid-winter but is now
increasing as the stock expands.  March and April  are the months when
stores can be running low and starvation threatens.  This rests with the
beekeeper  and should not happen if stores were adequately supplied last
autumn.  A check should always be made by now and if in doubt feed a large
quantity of dense syrup. 2:1.  If stores approach zero the stock will go
downhill just when we want the queen at her best.  A good colony at this
time will be eating around a pound a day, normal consumption and increasing
larval food.  A fortnight of wet or cold, nothing coming in, could put them
on the breadline.
We feed weak syrup, 1:1, for other reasons.  It is too weak to store so is
fed in small amounts at frequent intervals.  I find some bees with ample
stores will take it avidly, others are less keen.  It is in a way a
make-believe nectar flow.  Not all beekeepers agree that it stimulates the
bees to greater activity  but I think it is worth doing if you have the time
and just a few hives.  Here our best month for nectar is May so I need my
queens laying well in March and April.  Bees need water in the spring to
dilute dense stores and will fly at dangerously low temperatures to get it,
one reason why a supply should be very close to the hives.  This weak syrup
supplies some of their water requirements and may be as important as the
sugar content.
Nosema, an invisible killer, is present in most hives.  Weak syrup acts as a
carrier for Fumidil.
I am, of course, writing of bees kept in temperate climes and it may not be
applicable to those operating in near tropical  or near arctic conditions.
Extra work for uncertain returns.  You take your choice.  S H P
_________________________________________________________________
Sid Pullinger                    Email :  [log in to unmask]
36, Grange Rd                Compuserve:  [log in to unmask]
Alresford
Hants SO24 9HF
England