The Wally-Gee Bee Journey 🐝

[Sally PB]

Does anyone use a feeder box for feeding syrup? I got one with the hive I bought.

Dumb question... how does it not rot out with wet syrup sitting in it? Or do they really eat it up that fast?

 

[WallyG74]

Does anyone use a feeder box for feeding syrup? I got one with the hive I bought.

Dumb question... how does it not rot out with wet syrup sitting in it? Or do they really eat it up that fast?

Good question. Got any pics so we can see how it is setup? Or how it will be setup once you have your bees.

 

[Sally PB]

Good question. Got any pics so we can see how it is setup? Or how it will be setup once you have your bees.

I'll get some later today.

 

[WallyG74]

My bees moved into their new home this afternoon. I had a jacket, hood and gloves. Not gonna lie, I was scared they would eat me up. We hit em with a little smoke and they never got crazy. Standing in the swarm and not getting attacked is weird, but once you see you’re good, it’s very calming.

 

[Apis mellifera]

Dumb question... how does it not rot out with wet syrup sitting in it? Or do they really eat it up that fast?

Great question. Hive top feeders wont rot out, you're only leaving it on until they build up both hive bodies then rinsing it out and storing it until you need it again maybe in the fall. Fill it with 1:1 sugar syrup. Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to 1 gallon of syrup to keep it from getting moldy. When 7 to 8 frames are almost drawn add a second hive body and when that one has 7 to 8 frames drawn remove the feeder and add a honey super.

 

[Sally PB]

Here's a picture of the feeder. I'm assuming those thin slats will float in the syrup, and act as places for the bees to stand and drink.

 

[Sally PB]

When 7 to 8 frames are almost drawn add a second hive body and when that one has 7 to 8 frames drawn remove the feeder and add a honey super.

I have 8 frame boxes. So add another when 5-6 frames are drawn? Or were you talking about an 8 frame set up?

 

[Apis mellifera]

I have 8 frame boxes. So add another when 5-6 frames are drawn? Or were you talking about an 8 frame set up?

8 frame equipment is excellent. I have 8 and 10 frame boxes and over the years have gravitated towards 8. You're correct, add a second box when 5-6 frames are drawn. Your nuc should build quick. Just add the second box after they settle down for a week or two.

 

[WallyG74]

View attachment 3490505
Here's a picture of the feeder. I'm assuming those thin slats will float in the syrup, and act as places for the bees to stand and drink.

I’m still new to this, but I have never seen this kind of feeder setup.

 

[Sally PB]

@Apis mellifera, what do you think about this style of feeder?

Is there anything I need to do to get it ready? I did scrape off some propolis/wax and repaint the exterior with a couple coats of white to "make it pretty."