hot weather and feeding

[alicelee428]

I am a brand-new beekeeper, started with 2 nucs just about a week ago. We have been having a heat wave (high 90's-low 100's) here in Virginia for the last 4 or 5 days, with a few more to go. Per the advice of my bee club, I propped my out covers open with a stick for a couple of days. I took a look at the hives yesterday and saw that neither colony had done anything with the new foundation. I decided to feed them 1:1 sugar water, because some of the folks in our bee club were talking about a nectar dearth beginning in our area.

My question: I am wondering if the hive top feeders (plastic m01451) I purchased will allow for enough ventilation during this hot spell. The outer cover sits right on the feeder (I guess this is how its supposed to work). I do have screened bottom boards on both hives.

Thanks!

[beegee]

Thebees should be able to handle the ventilation. Make sure they have access to water somewhere nearby.

[alicelee428]

There is a pond about 50 yards away from where I placed the hives.

[BigT]

That should give them plenty of water. Good luck!
Big T