Feeding bees - Ask Extension
How long should I feed a new colony? And what about feeding a newly captured swam?
Knowledgebase
Feeding bees #872613
Asked June 11, 2024, 12:49 PM EDT
How long should I feed a new colony? And what about feeding a newly captured swam?
Lane County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Sharon,
Assuming that the new colony was put on foundation or foundation less frames, then feed them until both deep boxes have 80% of the combs drawn. If you simply installed a new colony on already drawn combs then you do not need to feed as there is plenty of nectar available in the landscape.
Swarms are primed to draw comb and to draw it quickly. Take advantage of this to get them to draw as much comb as possible. They draw nice comb not wonky comb. You do not have to feed them, but you certainly may until they have drawn comb on 80% of the frames.
You might be interested in this publication from the Honey Bee Health Coalition, "Hive Health: Best Management Practices". It's a concise guide which covers basic beekeeping for healthy bees.
Assuming that the new colony was put on foundation or foundation less frames, then feed them until both deep boxes have 80% of the combs drawn. If you simply installed a new colony on already drawn combs then you do not need to feed as there is plenty of nectar available in the landscape.
Swarms are primed to draw comb and to draw it quickly. Take advantage of this to get them to draw as much comb as possible. They draw nice comb not wonky comb. You do not have to feed them, but you certainly may until they have drawn comb on 80% of the frames.
You might be interested in this publication from the Honey Bee Health Coalition, "Hive Health: Best Management Practices". It's a concise guide which covers basic beekeeping for healthy bees.
