Feeding newly installed honey bee colonies is a critical step that directly impacts their survival and establishment. You should feed these colonies heavily using a 1:1 mixture of sugar and water or high fructose corn syrup to stimulate rapid growth. For package bees, utilizing a Boardman entrance feeder is the recommended method to ensure accessibility while minimizing the risk of bees drowning.
New colonies generally lack the wax comb necessary for the queen to lay eggs or for the colony to store food. Supplemental feeding provides the high-calorie energy required to draw out this wax quickly, allowing the hive to establish its infrastructure and expand before the primary bloom.
The Strategy Behind Early Feeding
Fueling Wax Production
The most immediate hurdle for a new colony, particularly those started from packages, is a lack of drawn comb.
Bees require a massive amount of energy to secrete wax and build these structures. Providing a steady supply of sugar syrup gives them the caloric density needed to accelerate this building process.
Supporting Brood Rearing
Once the comb is drawn, the queen needs a place to lay eggs to build up the colony's population.
Feeding ensures the bees have the resources to support this new brood. While sugar syrup provides the energy, this buildup is essential for creating a workforce large enough to forage naturally later in the season.
Selecting the Right Nutrition and Equipment
The 1:1 Spring Mix
For spring feeding, the industry standard is a mixture of sugar and water in a 1:1 ratio.
Alternatively, high fructose corn syrup can be used. This concentration mimics the consistency of natural nectar, stimulating the bees to consume it readily and use it for immediate energy rather than long-term storage.
The Boardman Feeder Advantage
When installing package bees, the method of delivery is just as important as the feed itself.
A Boardman entrance feeder is specifically suggested for these younger, vulnerable colonies. This type of feeder is easily accessible and significantly reduces the risk of bees drowning in the syrup, a common issue with other feeding methods during the volatile installation phase.
Understanding the Trade-offs
The Dangers of Over-Feeding
While heavy feeding is necessary at the start, it should not become a permanent crutch.
Feeding is not a year-round activity; healthy colonies in areas with sufficient forage should eventually become self-sufficient. If a colony requires constant feeding during good weather, it may indicate underlying health issues or poor queen performance.
Risk of Robbing
Introducing sugar syrup during a nectar dearth can attract bees from other hives or wild pests.
If you feed when natural sources are abundant or leave syrup available too long, you risk inciting hive robbing, where stronger colonies attack the weaker, new colony to steal its resources. Monitor intake carefully and reduce feeding as the colony establishes itself.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
- If your primary focus is establishing package bees: Prioritize using a Boardman entrance feeder to deliver syrup safely without drowning your workforce.
- If your primary focus is rapid colony expansion: Feed a 1:1 sugar-water mix continuously until the bees have drawn out sufficient comb for the queen's egg-laying needs.
- If your primary focus is long-term apiary health: Monitor natural bloom cycles and wean the colony off supplemental feed once they are established and natural forage is abundant.
The goal of feeding is not to sustain the bees indefinitely, but to bridge the gap between installation and independence.
Summary Table:
| Feeding Factor | Recommendation | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Feed Type | 1:1 Sugar-Water or High Fructose Corn Syrup | Stimulates wax production and mimics natural nectar. |
| Equipment | Boardman Entrance Feeder | Ensures easy access for package bees while preventing drowning. |
| Primary Goal | Accelerate Comb Building | Provides energy for the queen to lay eggs and colony expansion. |
| Risk Factor | Hive Robbing | Occurs if feeding continues during nectar dearth; monitor intake closely. |
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