Colonial Beekeepers Association February 2011 Pete Ostrowski

Optimum Spring Condition of Wintered Colony (Hive & Honey Bee) Good Productive Queen frames of bees (7-10 pounds) 8-12 frames of brood (all stages) 20 pounds or more reserve honey (5-7 frames) Continuous supply of pollen and/or pollen substitute or supplement Adequate space for incoming nectar and upward expansion of brood nest (reversing hive bodies) WHEN DO WE CHECK FOR THIS??

Spring Feeding VERNAL EQUINOX - March 20, 7:21 P.M. EDT Spring officially starts 20 March! 20 MAR 11 (Norfolk) – 06 APR 11 (Richmond) are last frost dates by Farmers Almanac Nectar flows starts about 15 APR in our area WHAT CAN WE EXPECT BETWEEN NOW & THEN??

Farmers Almanac Richmond

Farmers Almanac Norfolk

Spring Feeding The availability of POLLEN and NECTAR stimulates brood production Maples typically first bloomers Brood cycle is 21 days For Honey production, ideal to have 2-3 brood cycles complete prior to nectar flow days prior to 15 APR is 04 MAR-11 FEB

Spring Feeding Feeding 1:1 syrup (one container of sugar to one container of water) Feeding Pollen Substitute (dry/patties) Syrup could be medicated with Fumagillin for treatment of Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae Medication must be completed/removed NLT 4 weeks from nectar flow and any suspect stored nectar/syrup removed

Spring Feeding Feeding should stop for production colonies once the nectar flow has started Hive scales good method for detecting incoming nectar Lifting hives to check weight White wax or wax on top of top bars an indication Intent is not to taint the honey stores

Spring Feeding Feeding for nucs, splits, swarms, queen rearing and new colonies may continue once the nectar flow has started Intent is to provide bees with a means to build comb and raise brood In all cases you must stay ahead of colonies providing space for expansion to prevent swarming

Questions/Discussion