From: "Allen Dick" <allend@internode.net>
Date: Sun, 6 Jan 2002 11:55:19 -0700
To: <BiologicalBeekeeping@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: Re: Food chambers

> Given this exception, I find no proof that substitute/replacement feeding
> of sugar is in anyway as good or better than the honey the bees store
> themselves. "Generalization of limited personal observations into universal
> 'truths' was common."

> I think the practise of a few in certain circumstances has become a
> universal truth, yes?

Well, only if you wish to disregard the studies that have attempted to
examine this matter.

There *are* several studies, at least, that tend to prove that refined white
sugar syrup, fed as a replacement or supplement, is as good as the honey
tested under the specific conditions of the tests.

There are *no* studies I have ever heard of that disprove that refined white
sugar is a superior wintering feed for honeybees. Nor are there *any* that
show any deleterious effects in feeding refined white sugar syrup.

Practical experience by professional beekeepers has shown time and again
that some honies can be damaging or fatal to wintering bees and is a cause
of concern to those who winter, myself included.

Good honey is a good winter feed. So is refined white sugar.

allen