stop feeding

[dp]

At what temperature will bees stop taking sugar syrup? I checked my hives today and realized that they are consuming more honey than in years past. I know that they need ventalation as they cluster. How does leaving a top feeder on them affect them during cold weather?

[MountainCamp]

The temperature that bees stop taking syrup is varible and depends on many factors. Temperature, weather, hive strength, type of feeder, are some of the varibles.

They will work feeders on a sunny day more than they will on a cloudy day at the same outside air temperature.

I use jar feeders on the top bars and I wrap my hive boxes with black felt paper.

Checking bees this year, 13 of 15 hives using feeders on a sunny day vs. 3 of 15 hives at the same air temp on a cloudy / snowy day.

Jar feeders, are easier for the cluster / bees to use vs. hive top feeders where they must move up into the feeder to use it in cold weather. (I think)

[Michael Bush]

I agree with MountainCamp. It all depends. The temperature, the size of the cluster, the sunshine, access to the feeder (front door, frame, top etc.)