I'm new to beekeeping, having installed a 3 lb package in my single hive about 10 days ago. I put 4 quart mason jars of 1:1 sugar syrup in the top feeder for them when the bees went in on 4/16. It's just about gone now. I have a couple of questions here...
- How long do I keep the syrup on?
Or more specifically, when do you know it's ok to stop feeding them?
- Should I change the syrup at any frequency? I did use a mold retardant in it, but how often should it be replaced so it doesn't spoil?
- Depending on the answers to the previous questions I could probably extrapolate this one, but would it be better to give them less syrup - say put out 4 pint jars, if they aren't eating it very fast?
thanks!
- How long do I keep the syrup on?
Or more specifically, when do you know it's ok to stop feeding them?
- Should I change the syrup at any frequency? I did use a mold retardant in it, but how often should it be replaced so it doesn't spoil?
- Depending on the answers to the previous questions I could probably extrapolate this one, but would it be better to give them less syrup - say put out 4 pint jars, if they aren't eating it very fast?
thanks!