[SteveStevenson]

I installed my package Saturday with no problems. Question is how long should I feed them? They are feeding heavily but we have lots of stuff in bloom now.

 

[BeeGora]

I installed two packages and started giving them sugar syrup right away. The first week they were all over it. By the second week they stopped taking it. I guess after getting settled in they found better food elsewhere. I'd feed them until they stop taking it.

 

[Michael Bush]

> I'd feed them until they stop taking it.

Bees are hoarders. They will probably not stop taking it and they will probably swarm before they ever get established. Once they have some capped stores and there is nectar available I would stop feeding them.

 

[AugustC]

Once they have some comb with capped stores leave them. You can always start feeding again if the weather turns bad and they can't get out for foraging.

http://augustcottageapiary.wordpress.com/

 

[Delta Bay]

Feeding for the first month until replacement bees are emerging is reasonable as long as there is good forage available there after.

 

[SteveStevenson]

thanks for the advise guys. I know we have pollen but Im not sure about nectar. I guess I will let them finish what they have and stop feeding after that.