When temperatures drop too low for liquid syrup, the primary supplemental feeding options for bees are candy boards, fondant, and winter patties. These solid feed sources provide essential carbohydrates in a form that bees can access and consume safely during freezing conditions.
Liquid syrup becomes dangerous in cold weather because bees cannot fly to void the excess water waste. Switching to solid feeds like candy boards or fondant provides a dense energy source that keeps the colony warm without causing digestive issues or moisture buildup.
Why Liquid Syrup Fails in Winter
The Cleansing Flight Limitation
Bees cannot consume liquid syrup during cold snaps because they are unable to take "cleansing flights."
The Risk of Dysentery
To process syrup, bees must evaporate water and void waste outside the hive. If the weather forces them to stay inside, consuming liquid syrup can lead to dysentery and colony death.
When to Resume Syrup
You must wait until the weather is consistently warm enough for bees to fly regularly before switching back to liquid feed.
Solid Feeding Options
Candy Boards
Candy boards are solid, hard blocks of sugar poured into a frame or rim.
Dual-Purpose Moisture Control
Beyond providing food, candy boards serve a critical secondary function: they help control hive moisture. The hard sugar absorbs condensation from the bees' breath, preventing freezing water from dripping back onto the cluster.
Fondant
Fondant is a soft, creamy sugar paste, similar to the filling inside certain chocolates.
Accessibility for the Cluster
Because it is soft, fondant is immediately accessible to the bees. It does not require the same effort to consume as hard sugar, making it an excellent emergency feed when the cluster is tight and immobile.
Winter Patties
Winter patties are specifically formulated solid feeds that serve as a suitable alternative to syrup.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Moisture Management
Candy boards are superior for humidity control. If your hive struggles with condensation, a candy board acts as a dehumidifier while feeding the bees. Fondant provides food but offers less moisture absorption.
Ease of Installation
Fondant and winter patties are generally easier to apply in an emergency. They can often be placed directly on the top bars of the frames, whereas candy boards usually require a specialized rim or shim to provide space.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To select the best feeding method for your specific winter conditions:
- If your primary focus is moisture control: Choose a candy board, as the hard sugar block will absorb excess humidity while feeding the hive.
- If your primary focus is immediate accessibility: Choose fondant, as the soft paste is easier for a lethargic winter cluster to consume.
- If your primary focus is a simple syrup alternative: Choose winter patties, which are designed to replace liquid feed when bees cannot fly.
Selecting the right solid feed ensures your colony maintains the caloric energy required to generate heat throughout the winter.
Summary Table:
| Feeding Option | Best For | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Candy Boards | Moisture Management | Absorbs condensation and prevents freezing drips |
| Fondant | Immediate Accessibility | Soft paste is easy for lethargic clusters to consume |
| Winter Patties | Simple Syrup Alternative | Specially formulated to replace liquid energy sources |
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