Remember to keep an eye on the stores in your hives by giving them a heft periodically. The queen is likely to start laying in earnest soon and the remaining winter stores can soon get used up. Late winter and early spring are the danger periods for lack of stores, so don't risk your colonies. … Continue reading Are Your Bees Short of Supplies?
Feeding Bees and Starvation
Starvation Risk – Advice from the National Bee Unit
With the on-going poor weather, there is a real risk of bee colonies starving. "Please check for stores in the colony and if in any doubt feed your bees. You should feed with either a fondant or a thin syrup [PBKA feed mix ready reckoner]. Further information on feeding bees can be found in Best … Continue reading Starvation Risk – Advice from the National Bee Unit
Do your bees have enough stores?
Given the relatively cool weather we are having at the moment which is limiting foraging activity and the increasing size of our colonies, lack of stores is a serious threat. It is advised therefore, that you check your colonies for stores and feed if required. Do not assume however, that you can gauge the level of stores … Continue reading Do your bees have enough stores?
Ambrosia Bee Food
With white granulated sugar becoming more expensive, many beekeepers are turning to specialist alternatives with Ambrosia Bee Food being very popular. The product is specially formulated for bees by its manufacturers in Germany, the sugar used comes from sugar beet apparently but which has been processed using enzymes to produce a feed which is very … Continue reading Ambrosia Bee Food
Are your bees starving?
Frank Gellatly (RBI Wales) has recently provided this timely advice on checking your bees for stores and what to do if you find them short of supplies. For more information on feeding bees throughout the year you can also download the NBU's Best Practice Guideline - Feeding Bees.