1:1 or 2:1 mix?

[ccar2000]

I don't think the bees really give a buzz about ratios.
Its best not to have to feed them at all and if you do, try giving back some of their own honey

[Michael Bush]

1:1 is a lot of water to dry out before winter sets in... 2:1 is a lot less. 5:3 is just easier to get it to dissolve than 2:1.

[KNC Bees]

Okay,
Is now the time to ask if there is a difference between beet sugar and cane sugar? I was told to only feed cane because beet was GMO. Is this true?n Also, I have a few frames in the super that are not filled out, is it too late to start feeding them to get them to finish those?
Thanks, Kent

[Michael Bush]

GMO is a recent issue so I have no experience to fall back on. But I've been feeding beet sugar for decades with no issues.

http://www.bushfarms.com/beesfeeding.htm#kindofsugar

[TWall]

I was told to only feed cane because beet was GMO. Is this true?

Once it is refined sugar, sucrose, it really doesn't matter to the bees where is came from. Purity of sugar is a much bigger concern. That is why raw sugar, brown sugar, powdered sugar, etc. are not recommended for feeding. They are not fully refined/purified. Or, they have additives added.

If you are opposed to certain advances in technology it may matter to you what the source of the sugar is. Otherwise, can or beet sugar should work the same.

Tom

[EastSideBuzz]

2:1 means 2 cups sugar to 1 cup water. If you want a thicker more concentrated solution get HFCS 55. You wont have to mix it. Someone in your area will have it and just buy a couple jugs from them when you need it. It costs 1/2 of mixing sugar water and it will be plenty thick for the fall feeding.

[DCook]

from Dadant:

"What do I feed the honey bees in the fall?
Use a two part sugar to one part water sugar syrup mixture if the bees do not have adequate winter stores. Fill your container to the half way mark with water. Pour the water into a pan to place on stove to warm up or boil. Completely fill your container with sugar. Add sugar to hot water and stir. Hot or boiling water will help to dissolve the sugar better. Allow mixture to cool before feeding your bees."

This would indicate a volume, not weight mixture.

[Michael Bush]

Volume will work. Weight will work. Assuming "a pint is a pound" and mixing the two methods will work, which is what I usually do. I measure water in pints and sugar in pounds. It's close enough for bees and is only off by a few ounces here and there...