[VaJim]

Installed a package last week (first time in 10 years). Using a top hive feeder with about a gallon of sugar water. Tomorrow will be a week and they only taken maybe half of the sugar water. (SE Virginia).

They are bring in pollen and activity appears normal.

Time to remove the feeder?

 

[JWPalmer]

For a package or swarm, I would leave it. A nuc should have a frame of honey already so additional feed is not as necessary, but still not a bad idea. Keep it on until they simply are not taking any more.

 

[Ravenseye]

For a package or swarm, I would leave it. A nuc should have a frame of honey already so additional feed is not as necessary, but still not a bad idea. Keep it on until they simply are not taking any more.

Agree. It's only been a week. Let them build up stores before you take away their feed.

 

[dkofoed]

they may be bringing in their own nectar now, but doesn't hurt to leave it for a bit.

 

[ruthiesbees]

we are in a major nectar flow right now with the black locust trees just finishing and the tulip poplar just starting. I'd leave the feeder on a new box until mid June

 

[VaJim]

Thanks for all the replies.

I plan to check them today to see if the queen has been released.

I am concerned about the condition of the sugar water in the top hive feeder since it's a week old. it's beginning to look a bit cloudy.