Feeding 2:1

[jparris001]

I'm new to all this, so excuse any stupid questions.

I installed two new packages of bees three weeks ago. I've been feeding them 2:1 syrup from a feeder inside the hive since then. They are really consuming it quickly! My question is how long do I keep this up? Is there a point where I switch to 1:1? I'm pulling frames out already that weigh more than what I harvested last year, which was my first year, where I didn't feed at all.

[jadell]

I would feed 1:1 now to get frames drawn, and 2:1 in the fall if they are light.

[Rader Sidetrack]

If they are storing it, then they are not really consuming it. I'd stop feeding. Here is some info from Michael Bush on this issue:

http://www.bushfarms.com/beespackages.htm

Don't feed constantly

Don't just keep feeding figuring they will stop taking it when they don't need it. I've seen packages that swarmed when they hadn't even finished the first box because they backfilled it all with syrup. Feed until you see some capped stores. This is the sign that the bees have put some of it in "long term storage" meaning they consider it a surplus. If there is a nectar flow at that point, I would stop feeding.

[jparris001]

I noticed yesterday they had already started capping some. I'll hold off feeding for a bit. Thanks!

[MrHappy]

If they are feeding on it and just storing it, then all your collecting is sugar water in the frames. If you want nectar then...

Like some have said and I agree with, feed until they get the brood chamber filled and you get ready to add the supers. Once you add the supers that you will collect from then you don't want to feed.

[Michael Bush]

I only feed 2:1 or 5:3 (just because it's hard to make 2:1). The bees drawn comb and raise brood fine on either 1:1 or 2:1, but the 2:1 doesn't spoil nearly as quickly.