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How Much Syrup can they Drink

1779 Views 7 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  philip.devos
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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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.
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.
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?
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?
This may assist you in evaluating those capped cells ...


photo linked from the Beesource Glossary.
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Thanks.....well I guess I have capped brood. Wow, She must have started laying the minute she got out of the cage.....
Thanks.....well I guess I have capped brood. Wow, She must have started laying the minute she got out of the cage.....
Sounds like you have a good queen. Hope she runs you out of frames and boxes. :)

Phil
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