Balancing Bee Nutrition for Optimal Colony Health By Feeding Bees
As beekeepers, we are constantly striving to provide the best possible care and nutrition for our honey bees. One of the key decisions we face is how to properly feed our bees, especially as we transition from the active foraging season into the colder winter months. In this comprehensive blog post, we'll dive deep into the debate around feeding 1:1 versus 2:1 sugar syrup, exploring the nuances and considerations that UK beekeepers need to keep in mind.
The Advice of David Burns: Feeding 1:1 Sugar Syrup
In a recent video, fellow beekeeper David Burns shared his perspective on year-round feeding of 1:1 sugar syrup. As an experienced and knowledgeable beekeeper, David's advice is certainly worth considering. He highlighted the benefits of using a 1:1 ratio, noting that it can help stimulate brood production and the creation of "winter bees" - the hardy individuals that will sustain the colony through the cold season.
David's approach aligns closely with the techniques I employ on my own apiary. I too advocate for feeding 1:1 sugar syrup in the late summer and early fall, as the bees are actively preparing for winter. This light syrup mimics the natural nectar flow, providing the necessary resources for the colony to build up its population and stores.
The UK Perspective: Potential Risks of 1:1 Feeding
However, as a beekeeper based in the United Kingdom, I've found that David's advice, while excellent in many regards, may not be a perfect fit for our local climate and conditions. While I agree with the majority of his approach, there are a few key considerations that UK beekeepers need to be aware of when it comes to late-season 1:1 feeding.
Moisture Content and Condensation Concerns
One of the primary risks of feeding 1:1 sugar syrup too late in the year is the potential for issues with moisture content and condensation within the hive. As the weather turns colder and the bees cluster to conserve heat, they may not be able to adequately evaporate the excess moisture from the 1:1 syrup before it's stored for the winter. This can lead to increased condensation, which can be detrimental to the colony's health and survival.
Excessive moisture in the hive can create an environment ripe for the growth of mould and fungus, which can compromise the bees' food stores and even lead to the development of diseases like Nosema. Additionally, the added moisture can make the colony more susceptible to chilling, as the bees expend valuable energy trying to maintain the optimal temperature and humidity within the hive.
Mould and Spoilage Risks
Another potential issue with late-season 1:1 feeding is the risk of the syrup spoiling or becoming mouldy in the feeder. As the temperatures drop, the bees may cluster and be unable to access the syrup, leaving it vulnerable to contamination. If the bees then attempt to consume this spoiled syrup, it can lead to further health problems and even colony loss.
The risk of mould and spoilage is particularly high in the UK, where the autumn weather can be unpredictable, with sudden cold snaps and periods of warm, damp conditions. These fluctuations can make it challenging for the bees to properly process and store the 1:1 syrup, increasing the likelihood of issues down the line.
The Solution: Transitioning to 2:1 Syrup
To mitigate these risks and ensure the long-term health and survival of our colonies, I recommend that UK beekeepers transition to a 2:1 sugar syrup ratio as we move into the latter part of the year, typically around the beginning of October.
The higher sugar concentration of 2:1 syrup has several key advantages for our bees in the UK climate:
Reduced Moisture Content: The bees will have an easier time evaporating the excess moisture from the 2:1 syrup, reducing the risk of condensation and related issues within the hive.
Increased Shelf Life: The higher sugar content makes the 2:1 syrup less susceptible to spoilage and mould growth, even if the bees are unable to access it for a period of time.
Efficient Winter Storage: The bees will be able to more effectively convert the 2:1 syrup into dense, energy-rich stores that will sustain them through the long, cold winter months.
By making the switch to 2:1 syrup in the early autumn, we can help ensure that our colonies have the necessary resources to thrive and emerge strong in the spring, without the risks associated with late-season 1:1 feeding.
Timing the Transition: When to Switch to 2:1 Syrup
The exact timing for transitioning to 2:1 syrup will depend on your local climate and the specific conditions in your apiary. As a general guideline, I recommend making the switch to 2:1 any time after the beginning of October in the UK.
This timeframe allows the bees to take advantage of the benefits of 1:1 syrup earlier in the season, when the weather is still relatively mild and they can effectively process the lighter syrup. But as we move into the colder, wetter months, the 2:1 ratio becomes the safer and more reliable choice.
It's important to note that the weather can be highly variable in the UK, so you'll need to closely monitor your colonies and be prepared to adjust your feeding schedule accordingly. If you notice that your bees are struggling to process the 1:1 syrup or that it's becoming prone to spoilage, don't hesitate to make the switch to 2:1 earlier in the season.
Integrating Feeding into Your Apiary Management
Effective feeding is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to maintaining healthy, thriving colonies. As a beekeeper, it's essential to take a holistic approach to apiary management, considering factors like disease prevention, swarm control, and honey production.
On my YouTube channel, I cover a wide range of beekeeping topics, from queen rearing and disease recognition to honey extraction and nuc production. I encourage you to explore the wealth of information available, as well as consider joining our Discord community to connect with fellow beekeepers and learn from one another.
If you're interested in taking your beekeeping to the next level, I also offer a range of queen bees and bee nucs through my website, Black Mountain Honey. These high-quality resources can help you strengthen your colonies and achieve greater success in your beekeeping endeavours. We also offer 1:1 support via our bee mentoring programme.
Buy Queens - https://www.blackmountainhoney.co.uk/buy-queen-bees
Bee Mentoring - https://www.blackmountainhoney.co.uk/beementoring
Conclusion: Balancing Bee Nutrition for Long-Term Success
In the world of beekeeping, there is often no one-size-fits-all solution, and the advice that works well in one region may not be the best approach for another. As UK beekeepers, we need to carefully consider the unique challenges and conditions of our local climate when making decisions about feeding and colony management.
While David Burns' recommendation of year-round 1:1 sugar syrup feeding is an excellent starting point, the potential risks of moisture, mould, and spoilage in the latter part of the year make a strong case for transitioning to a 2:1 ratio in the UK. By striking the right balance and adapting our practices to the needs of our bees, we can ensure the long-term health and success of our colonies, no matter the season.
Remember, beekeeping is a continuous learning process, and I encourage you to stay informed, experiment, and always put the well-being of your bees first. Take a look at the original video here:
Has anyone tried putting a splash of white vinegar when feeding 1:1 syrup ? I did this and it did stop mould growth for me. I also read it lowers the pH of the syrup, making it closer to that of nectar.