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Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology

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Subject:
From:
Lloyd Spear <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Fri, 10 Jan 2003 09:45:11 -0500
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Mary asked about HFCS (high fructose corn syrup).  When and how to feed.

HFCS should be fed (1) anytime the bees need feed to sustain brood
production or when the bees do not have enough food for the winter (2) when
the beekeeper wishes to create an 'artificial flow' to stimulate the bees
earlier than by waiting for a normal flow.

WHENEVER FEEDING BEES SYRUP, THEY SHOULD ALSO BE FED POLLEN OR POLLEN
SUPPLEMENT.  (There are some exceptions to this, but the conditions are
unusual and hobbyists will best serve their bees if they ALWAYS feed pollen
or pollen supplements whenever they feed syrup.)

The three easiest and best ways to feed, in order:

1.  The new hive top Styrofoam feeder offered by Betterbee.  (800-632-3379)
2.  Gallon glass or plastic jugs upended and on top of 1/4" to 1/2" pieces
of wood laid on the top bars.  Surround the jugs with an empty hive body.
3.  A sealed gallon-size heavy duty plastic bag filled with HFCS, laid on
the top bars, with a few holes punched in the top.

HFCS is ALWAYS far superior to honey, as it does not contain honey's normal
impurities that they digestive system has to handle.  Sugar Syrup (1:1 or
2:1) can be substituted for HFCS, but it is messy to prepare and 2:1 is very
difficult for a hobbyist to prepare.

For more information, read one of the several excellent general purpose
books on beekeeping.

Hope this helps.

Lloyd
Lloyd Spear, Owner of Ross Rounds, manufacturer of comb honey equipment
for beekeepers and Sundance pollen traps.
http://www.rossrounds.com
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