Autumnal Advice from the Mentors
We have had a relatively mild spell since mid-August with colonies perhaps maintaining a larger number of mouths to feed than in previous years, and stores being depleted quicker than you may be anticipating.
One of our members has reported having to feed a couple of hives this week, in spite of having fed them syrup in August, and you may need to be hefting sooner than you think.
If this is your first year of overwintering, relying on hefting may not be your best gauge and our recommendation would be to add fondant if you are in any doubt about the weight of your colonies. It is still worth hefting (Chapter 6 of Basics of Beekeeping) regularly to build your experience.
Furthermore, adding fondant before the bees form an immobile cluster, which they will do in temperatures consistently below 10 degrees, ensures they have ready access to fondant.
If you have any questions please ask.
One of our members has reported having to feed a couple of hives this week, in spite of having fed them syrup in August, and you may need to be hefting sooner than you think.
If this is your first year of overwintering, relying on hefting may not be your best gauge and our recommendation would be to add fondant if you are in any doubt about the weight of your colonies. It is still worth hefting (Chapter 6 of Basics of Beekeeping) regularly to build your experience.
Furthermore, adding fondant before the bees form an immobile cluster, which they will do in temperatures consistently below 10 degrees, ensures they have ready access to fondant.
If you have any questions please ask.
The Mentoring Team
