How much will bees eat after flow?

[vancleavehoney]

I have some full supers on my hives now, but am unable to extract them for a month because the person who i extract with is out of town. I think the flow might end soon. I live in south mississippi and the popcorn tree and summer titi are in bloom. If i leave the honey on the hive will the bees eat it all if the flow stops? I want to harvest the honey so your thoughts would be appreciated.

[AstroBee]

Its always a gamble when you take honey that the bees would otherwise utilize, but my philosophy has been to harvest often and as soon as it is ready. Leaving honey on during a dearth will definitely reduce your near-term yield. This year I was a little late with my harvest and lost about a 1/2 medium per hive due to the delay.

[Ross]

They will eat it if the flow stops. They will build brood just like they are on a flow and continue to do so if you don't take it. Do you have a freezer or no someone with a walkin cooler?