Robbing

[David LaFerney]

I have to ask again ??
Why would you be feeding a hive that has Honey in it

Possible reasons:

To keep the queen producing brood, to keep them producing wax, to keep them from being malnutritioned - they are reluctant to break into capped honey unless they have to.

Bees that are malnutritioned all summer long are going to have a harder time fighting off diseases/parasites AND build up a healthy population of new bees to over winter.

Unfortunately feeding does cause robbing - so does excessive exposure of open hives. Last summer it was a big problem. This summer I've kept most inspections to a quick peak under the hood unless I suspect a problem - check for visible brood and honey along the top and plenty of bees, then close it up before trouble starts. Not an ideal inspection, but Less stress on the bees and not much robbing so far.

[Seymore]

Jh, 3-4 outsiders being easily handled doesn't sound like a problem for a hive with 3+ mediums. Keep an eye on them and if a problem arises, come back and read this thread.

[sfisher]

From what i have read jhillard you take action as soon as you see robbing taking place. But if your hive is holding its own, I dont know what you can do to help. Just make sure your enterence is reduced for sure.

[sfisher]

David and Tommy, I answered the question about why I was feeding a nuc that has honey, in post #37.

[tommyt]

Sfisher
Thanks and I did read it.
I guess I should have replied then
Hope your bees have worked it out