Package installed end of March. Using 8-frame mediums. The hive has been increasing in numbers and appears very strong with a good laying queen, however;
Four weeks ago, checked the hive, and expected to see at least some capped honey. There was NONE. No food stores at all. Lots of brood and lots of bees but no stores. So we began feeding.
I have had some concerns stemming from this and I hope someone can give me some advice (reassurance?) on whether or not we have messed up royally:
1) Is this lack of food ‘normal’ for this time of year for a new, albeit, strong hive?
2) Will feeding encourage the laying of brood? Should egg laying drop off at the end of the season (dearth?)
3) When should laying stop?
4) When are drones normally evicted?
They are going through a ½ gallon of syrup every 2 days, I’m concerned this constant supply of food will throw off their normal cycle. I expected to have to feed through the winter, but I didn’t expect to have to start this early. I noticed some pollen being brought in this past weekend.
Also, I have noticed a very large Robber fly hanging out in the bee-yard lately. Concerns? :s
Four weeks ago, checked the hive, and expected to see at least some capped honey. There was NONE. No food stores at all. Lots of brood and lots of bees but no stores. So we began feeding.
I have had some concerns stemming from this and I hope someone can give me some advice (reassurance?) on whether or not we have messed up royally:
1) Is this lack of food ‘normal’ for this time of year for a new, albeit, strong hive?
2) Will feeding encourage the laying of brood? Should egg laying drop off at the end of the season (dearth?)
3) When should laying stop?
4) When are drones normally evicted?
They are going through a ½ gallon of syrup every 2 days, I’m concerned this constant supply of food will throw off their normal cycle. I expected to have to feed through the winter, but I didn’t expect to have to start this early. I noticed some pollen being brought in this past weekend.
Also, I have noticed a very large Robber fly hanging out in the bee-yard lately. Concerns? :s