Bees rely on their stored food reserves to survive winter, and providing the right amount and type of feed is essential to maintain their health. In the past, the English black bee, a resilient native strain, could survive on around 30 pounds of honey in a standard 10-frame brood box. Today’s more active hybrid strains, however, typically require more to stay healthy. An average colony needs roughly 20 kg (44 pounds) of food stores for winter, though this can vary with climate and hive activity.
Understanding Bee Consumption in Winter
During the broodless period in December and January, bees require less food, about 300 grams (12 ounces) per week. However, if they continue brooding, this amount can more than double to around 700 grams (1.5 pounds) weekly. Keeping the hive undisturbed is crucial since disruption significantly increases their consumption as they work to restore their cluster.
It’s also important to consider weather variations. In mild winters, bees are more active, which leads to higher consumption. But too much stored food can also cause issues, such as limited space for the queen to lay eggs come spring.
To assess food stores, check the weight of each type of frame:
- BS super frame: 2.5 lbs of honey
- BS brood frame: 5 lbs
- BS 14”x12” frame: 8 lbs
Monitoring hive weight and debris on the floor insert each week helps determine if your bees are using their stores or if they might need additional feeding.
If you need to feed, why is fondant best for winter feeding?
As temperatures drop, bees can no longer effectively process sugar syrup, so fondant becomes the preferred option. Here’s why feeding fondant over winter is best:
- Temperature Fluctuations: Sudden temperature drops can cause syrup containers to drip, chilling the bees and stressing the colony.
- High Water Content: Sugar syrup contains more water than honey, which means bees must expend energy to remove it.
- Cold Syrup: Cold syrup is difficult for bees to consume, as they rely on warm conditions to digest food.
- Mould Risk: If not quickly consumed, syrup can mould, making it unusable for the bees.
- Access Issues: In colder temperatures, bees might be unable to reach syrup feeders, allowing other insects to steal it.
Fondant is dense and low in water, making it easier for bees to consume without expending extra energy, and it reduces the risk of spoilage or mould.
Feeding Tips for Winter and Early Spring
In early autumn, bees can take in sugar syrup (at a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water) while the weather is still warm. Once they stop taking syrup, usually by mid-September, switching to inverted syrup can extend their feeding period. By October, fondant becomes the primary winter feed.
Come early spring, you can stimulate the colony with a light syrup (1:2 sugar to water) that mimics natural nectar flow, encouraging bees to prepare cells for new brood. Adding a pollen supplement can further support colony build-up for a productive season.
Sustainable Beekeeping?
Sustainable beekeeping focuses on practices that support the health of bee colonies without excessive intervention or waste. Winter feeding, when done thoughtfully, is a key aspect of sustainability in beekeeping. By understanding how much food bees need and opting for the right type of feed, such as fondant over syrup during the coldest months, beekeepers can reduce the colony’s stress and avoid unnecessary resource consumption. Proper winter feeding not only helps bees survive but also ensures they have a balanced diet that aligns with their natural behaviour, minimising waste and reducing the risk of overfeeding. Sustainable approaches to winter feeding strengthen bee resilience, support local ecosystems, and ultimately lead to healthier colonies that require fewer interventions year-round.
Additional Resources
For further information on bee feeding strategies, Feeding Bees by Wally Shaw provides excellent insights and best practices.