Feeding v. Stores

[Gibbus]

So if I'm putting a package in a hive that died over the winter (no disease - broke cluster and then 4 or 5 small re-clusters. Chilled) that still has plenty of stores (40+ lbs.), should I still feed to simulate flow or just let them consume stores? Thanks

[pine_ridge_farms]

I would feed them a little 1:1 the first few weeks to stimulate. Are you putting them on all drawn comb? If you are that will help a lot. As soon as they are working a nectar source you can quit feeding. Dandelions are right around the corner for us. I've seen a few blooming here and there but not enough to do much yet.

[Gibbus]

Thanks - that's what I was thinking (feed to simulate) but didnt know if it was pointless and just adding more moisture to hive - of which we have had plenty around here! And yes, they're on drawn comb. I haven't seen a dandelion yet here, but the forcynthias and willows are rocking

[deknow]

40+ lbs of honey in drawn comb? I wouldn't feed them, but might uncap a frame before installing.

deknow

[bigbore]

I personally wouldn's give them all the stores, yet.... put at least half up and keep it for this fall, or splits. that gives you a lot of options in a pinch. Instead of trying to find resources to make nuc's with....
a new package doesn't need 2 boxes, so you can easily replace it later if you feel you need to...