[TerriB]

New beekeeper in North Texas, started with several nucs and caught a swarm. Have added a second deep to a few of them while the others are not quite ready. Once the honey super has been added, do you stop feeding? I've read that you feed sugar syrup for the first several months to get them started,...... but have also read that feeding them will make the honey bad. Any thoughts or ideas would be great!
Thanks!

 

[waynesgarden]

I stop feeding packages, nucs or splits the minute that there is a nectar flow and enough foragers in the hive to bring in pollen and nectar to grow the hive.

Feed syrup for as long as necessary and do not worry about spoiling the honey. You will not be harvesting anything from this swarm's hive for a while. When you have a strong enough nectar flow that you have honey supers on that you intend to harvest , you should have stopped feeding.

Wayne

 

[TerriB]

Thank you Wayne

 

[Mr.Beeman]

I don't feed typically. My packages get the can they came with and that's it. Nucs should already have enough stores to get them through until they start to bring in nectar. Feeding too much can cause a hive to become honeybound and will not leave room for the queen to lay.
I will feed if there is a serious dearth though.