(Thomas) (Cornick) wrote: > Actually putting Apistan in on the first warm enough day in March is what I do > here in Connecticut as well as feeding 1-1 syrup to get my colonies booming. > There is one hell of a flow here from maple and dandylion early on. It is interesting to note regional/climatic differences as they impact upon management practices. Some discussion has centered on winter feeding practices - on whether to feed syrup, and if so by what means. In southern Michigan it is really not so cold, but still I would never try to feed syrup anytime during winter. When feeding is necessary I always use candy boards, ever since Roger Hoopingarner (formerly of Michigan State University) promoted their use in place of syrup. In early spring however, I always have felt that the best bee feed for brood rearing is that which the bees collect themselves. We too have wonderful maple flows - the trees are singing with bees at times. But rather than feed, I allow the colonies to use this for their own buildup. It is only after the dandelion bloom has faded that I put on supers for surplus collection. Of course, the fruit tree flow is the colony's as well, but they do so well during late spring and summer months here that I don't begrudge them this treat. Incidentally, this means that I don't have to put on Apistan until April 1, which time subjectively feels a lot better for me. It comes off mid-May, when I am making splits for summer and am in the hives anyhow. Ted Fischer Dexter, Michigan USA