When to pull the top feeders?

[ccar2000]

I just did a quick inspection of my two hives. The top feeders still have plenty of syrup left in them. There is still about a quarter pound of pollen patties in each as well. The upper brood boxes are feeling heavy 50 - 60 lbs each. The bottom deeps I added at the end of last month are pretty much untouched. I will continue to make inspections to check the heft of the hives and add pollen patties as needed. I am looking at weather highs in the mid 50's and typical lows in the low 30's with a sub freezing night here and there. Today is in the mid 50's and the girls are in and out of the hives working the native vegetation. I was planning on pulling the feeders in December as was recommended by the beek I originally got my nucs from in September. I do not think I need to be concerned with the hives getting too cold since the daytime temps will always be above 50 and the hives are in the morning sunlight and shaded in the afternoon. So, back to the question, what are the indicators that will tell me when to pull the feeders?

[Ravenseye]

I pull when they stop taking the syrup. For me, they're still sucking it down. Last year, I was done weeks ago.

[PCM]

I believe I read that when the - actual syrup temperature - reaches 50-55 degrees they cannot/willnot use it.
When the nite time temp. reach the 30-40's it will not warm up enough during the day even in direct sunlight.

I'm sure their will be others that disagree.

PCM

[beehoppers]

I agree about syrup temperature. ccar2000 you mention they are working local vegetation...they usually prefer flower nectar and may ignore your feed by choice.

As an experiment this winter, I'm going to paint some of my hivetop feeders flat black on the south and west side, white on the north and east for winter feeding to gain heat. Spin them 180 to have white on the south and west side for summer.

[ccar2000]

Hey PCM you are right the outdoor temp today is 65* and the syrup is 55 - 57* depending on which hive I am checking. So, if I am not expecting outdoor temperatures to climb. Maybe it is a good time to pull the feeders.
Now my next question. What does one do with the remaining couple of gallons of syrup that is left? Is there another use for it or is there a not too messy way to get rid of it?

[SwedeBee1970]

See the "Mountain Camp" method. Search for "First post ever - Just got my lovely bees". Reading that post will give further insight to the matter.

[PCM]

I store mine if I have any left in 1/2 gal. plastic milk bottles out in the grauge and feed it next spring.
At the price of sugar these days, I'm cheap !!

PCM

[Dunkel]

Freeze the syurp until spring. I used mine to make up some pollen patties and put them in the freezer.