Hello, I am new to the forum and hope to get some help to my questions regarding winter feeding, to which I am new as well...
In both of my hives today the clusters were in the top super with now empty frames, so I fed them each a zip lock bag with honey and slits cut to give access to the liquefied warm honey. I placed a two-inch rim around for extra space, and replaced inner cover etc. on top.
I remembered I had some MegaBee Patties, so gave each one of those as well; honey baggies and patties straight on top of each cluster.
Each bag contained about a pint of (their own) honey.
This coming week we will have freezing temperatures again here in NY state, and I hope it will be enough.
How long will the honey and patty get them through?
I am concerned about opening the hive to check and feed more in below freezing temperatures, but even more concerned about these two beautiful colonies starving.
Should I check in a few days, even though it will be very cold? Or will they be ok till a next warm day (not sure yet when; not in the ten-day forecast...)
Do I keep giving honey to them, or should I make fondant? (not made it before; any good recipes??)
Good advice or tips are much appreciated.
Thanks!
In both of my hives today the clusters were in the top super with now empty frames, so I fed them each a zip lock bag with honey and slits cut to give access to the liquefied warm honey. I placed a two-inch rim around for extra space, and replaced inner cover etc. on top.
I remembered I had some MegaBee Patties, so gave each one of those as well; honey baggies and patties straight on top of each cluster.
Each bag contained about a pint of (their own) honey.
This coming week we will have freezing temperatures again here in NY state, and I hope it will be enough.
How long will the honey and patty get them through?
I am concerned about opening the hive to check and feed more in below freezing temperatures, but even more concerned about these two beautiful colonies starving.
Should I check in a few days, even though it will be very cold? Or will they be ok till a next warm day (not sure yet when; not in the ten-day forecast...)
Do I keep giving honey to them, or should I make fondant? (not made it before; any good recipes??)
Good advice or tips are much appreciated.
Thanks!