Feeding Bees Over Winter: A Guide for Sneem Beekeepers
As the chill of winter sets in here in Sneem, the natural nectar flow from flowers dwindles, leaving our bees dependent on the reserves they built during the warmer months. For beekeepers, ensuring our hives are healthy and well-fed through the winter is crucial for colony survival and spring success. Here’s an expert guide on how to support your bees during the colder months.
Why Winter Feeding is Essential
In the winter, bees rely on stored honey to sustain them. However, even well-prepared colonies can face shortages due to:
Harsh weather conditions preventing foraging.
Small or late-starting colonies that didn’t store enough honey.
A prolonged winter or early spring when forage is still scarce.
Supplementing their stores can mean the difference between a thriving hive and one that doesn’t survive until spring.
Assessing Hive Needs
Before deciding on supplemental feeding, inspect your hives carefully:
Weight Test: Lift the hive slightly to assess its weight. A light hive might indicate low food stores.
Visual Check: Open the hive briefly on a mild day (above 10°C) to check honey stores.
Hive Monitoring: If you have a monitoring system, use it to track hive activity and food consumption.
Winter Feeding Options
Bees metabolize food to generate heat, so providing the right type of food is key. Here are your options:
Fondant (Sugar Patties)
What: A thick sugar paste placed directly above the cluster.
Why: Easy for bees to consume and doesn’t require moisture from the hive to process, unlike liquid feed.
How: Place the fondant on a sheet of wax paper over the frames near the cluster.
Sugar Boards
What: A board filled with dry granulated sugar.
Why: Acts as emergency food, absorbing moisture from the hive and reducing humidity.
How: Spread sugar across a wooden or plastic board and place it above the cluster.
Pollen Patties
What: Supplemental protein source.
Why: Supports brood rearing in early spring if the colony starts producing new bees.
How: Place patties directly above the brood cluster but use sparingly to avoid stimulating brood production too early.
Candy Boards
What: A hardened sugar mixture.
Why: Long-lasting and easy for bees to consume during extended cold spells.
How: Create a candy board by boiling sugar and water to the correct consistency, then pouring it into a mold to harden.
Avoid Liquid Syrup in Midwinter
Sugar syrup should only be fed during autumn to help bees build their stores. In winter, liquid feed increases moisture levels in the hive, which can lead to chilling and dysentery.
Tips for Successful Winter Feeding
Check Regularly: Monitor hives on mild days to ensure food supplies are adequate.
Protect Against Moisture: Add an upper entrance or use a quilt box to reduce condensation inside the hive.
Insulate the Hive: Ensure the hive is well-insulated but ventilated to prevent dampness.
Avoid Overfeeding: Bees need enough space for their cluster. Overfeeding can crowd the hive and reduce ventilation.
Prepare for Spring
As spring approaches, gradually reduce supplemental feeding to encourage bees to forage naturally. Strong, healthy colonies in late winter will be ready to take advantage of Sneem’s early bloom of wildflowers.
A Word of Caution
Overfeeding or unnecessary winter feeding can disturb the hive’s balance. Always assess your hive's condition before intervening. Remember, honey is their natural food and always the best option for your bees.
By taking these steps, Sneem beekeepers can ensure their hives survive the winter and are ready to flourish in the spring. Happy beekeeping! If you have any questions or tips, share them with our local community—we’re all in this together.
