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matty

New Bee
Joined
Aug 8, 2010
Messages
25
Reaction score
0
Location
Somerset
Hive Type
14x12
Number of Hives
2
Both my hive are a bit low on bees and stores
i have some fondant left would it be best to feed this or syrup
 
You only want in total a frame or so (14x12s are quite big!) of stores, you don't really want more at this point of the season.
If you have less than that, and fully drawn (but empty) frames, I'd suggest that you give them some strong syrup, one 4-pint feederful of 2:1 or Ambrosia. That should give them something to stash away, and see them through the odd week of bad weather (which will come, eventually).

As regards bees being in short supply, ask your Association's microscopy expert (check with the Secretary as a contact route), to do a Nosema test.
Nosema ceranae isn't associated with dysentery so its a sneaky silent threat to colonies. Microscopy test needs a sample of 30 bees - block the entrance to get a queue of returning foragers and scoop them into a box (matchbox or tupperware), and pop them in the fridge to put them to sleep. (Don't forget to reopen the entrance!)
 

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