[kilnrat]

What is the rule of thumb for feeding during late Spring and/or Summer if the weather should become wet where pollen is washed off for several days or the flow drops off as alot of charts indicate by late June. How do you know to feed for a period to help the bees out during a slow flow or weather issue? Thanks.

 

[Carl F]

They have plenty of resources in the hive to get by on for that length of time. They may consume some nectar that you were hoping to have as surplus honey for your harvest but it is theirs first.

Definitely dont put syrup on if you have honey supers on. If you do the bees will store sugar syrup with the nectar and then you won't have "pure" honey.

 

[BSCOTTM]

But shouldn't they have access to syrup if they are building comb on the frames in the super? With new foundation.

 

[fish_stix]

BSCOTTM; if there is a flow on the bees will build the super frames out. If no flow and you want drawn frames you have to feed them. We never feed just to draw out super foundation; we let the bees do it on their own. We place new foundation on them during our flows, especially citrus, and they draw it out and fill it in a matter of a few days. How else do you get drawn frames for next years splits?

 

[kilnrat]

Thanks again for all the imput --- it's good to hear idea's that have worked for others with more experience. Thanks alot.