How Much Syrup can they Drink

1779 Views 7 Replies 6 Participants Last post by philip.devos, Apr 23, 2014

Pompsander

Discussion Starter · Apr 22, 2014

I installed two packages ten days ago and filled the internal feeder with syrup. I did a quick look five days in to take out the queen cages (queens successfully out!) and fill the syrup. They had consumed quite a bit but, foolish me, I didn't really pay attention to how much because I was so excited to be "in the hive" if only for a few minutes. The bees looked great...I only lifted on frame momentarily, figuring I would be back later for a proper inspection.

Now, following the good advice of folks here, I have stayed out of the hive for the past week but wonder if I should open it if only to check the syrup level? Might they be in need a week after the refill?

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phersbees

· #2 · Apr 22, 2014 (Edited by Moderator)

my bigger swarm kills about a qt. of 2/1 sugar/water a day. but my package bees are about a qt. every other day to three days.

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mmaylett

· #3 · Apr 22, 2014

I have two new 3# Italian hives with internal frame feeders. They went through a gallon each of 1:1 syrup in 6 days last week.

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Splatt

· #4 · Apr 22, 2014

I've had my hives go through more than 2 liters a day. When I used a frame feeder with my first hive I had to refill it every day. What kind of feeder are you using?

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Pompsander

Discussion Starter · #5 · Apr 23, 2014 (Edited by Moderator)

Well, based on everyone's comments I did a quick hive inspection and ,yes, they had drained the in frame feeder of syrup in six days. Filled 'er up and replenished pollen patty.

Took a short peek....saw nectar, pollen and capped cells. New hive- too early for honey or capped brood? I thought the cells were whiter than tan but not sure...cells were center to top third of frame, but not near the top. ..thoughts?

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