[rand]

Hi

I got 8 new Nucs with 3 frame each (honey + 2 brood)
I see that drawing the combs takes them long time, even though they have pollen and nectar outside.

Is feeding 1:1 ratio or other kind of feeding can stimulate fast wax building?


Thanks
Randi

 

[Naturegoods]

Seeing how there is no real field force provided in a colony that small to bring in ample supplies, I'd feed a 2:1 sugar/water mix to help them feed lavae and build comb.
I only use 1:1 before spring to simulate nectar flow and encourage the queen to start building population.
By weight or by volume, all the same, pints = pounds.

 

[ronnyclif]

Feed them weekly until you get the wax drawn out. It will also help to move a frame with foundation between the brood as needed. This will force them to get to work. Just make sure your evening temperature is above 60F so the brood does not chill. I usually do this weekly until everthing is drawn out.

 

[bigeddie]

Ronnyclif, if I took your advice about night temps above 60 I could move frames about 3 days per year. July and august are usually frost free here in N. Wis. If I have enough bees to cover the combs good, they get moved.

 

[AmericasBeekeeper]

Feeding 1:1 sugar syrup until they get started drawing comb is the quickest way. 2:1 is normally for Fall and Winter feeding, ABC & XYZ of Bee Culture goes into why each ratio is seasonal