Tualatin Valley Beekeepers Association - Not reaching top feeder

2 Apr 2020 1:35 PM

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Message # 8875595

Anonymous

I have installed this with my package. https://glorybee.com/beekeeping/feed-nutrition/plastic-inside-hive-top-feeder#

Two days on the bees are not going to it but clustered below it. They are feeding on the pollen patty but not the syrup. Should I be worried? Is it too cold for them to climb up?

Moved from General Bee Topics: 8 Feb 2021 11:22 AM

2 Apr 2020 3:15 PM

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Reply # 8875797 on 8875595

Anonymous member

If your daytime temperatures are in the low 40s or lower, they may not want to break cluster. Try dribbling a little (not too much) syrup down the frames from the hive top feeder onto the cluster. As they clean it up, they will make their way to the feeder.

2 Apr 2020 3:30 PM

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Reply # 8875824 on 8875595

Anonymous

Thank you, Stephen. Ted Job suggested the same. I put a couple squirts of syrup under the clear feeder cap and within one minute the feeding area was full of hungry bees. Saved the day!

2 Apr 2020 3:33 PM

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Reply # 8875830 on 8875595

Anonymous member

You didn't say much about the set up that you placed your package in. Is the queen still caged? Were the frames drawn out or was it foundation only. Good drawn comb will get them going faster. I'm assuming that in your location the weather has been a bit cool with rain which will slow everything down. Today my established hives were active for a short time when the sun was out but you have just placed the package in the hive and they are in process of establishing a colony. The weather is forecast to make a turn to warmer days later next week which will help get things going. After the released and beginning of her egg laying things should change and the sugar water will be consumed. I wouldn't worry yet. I hope this helps, James

2 Apr 2020 4:34 PM

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Reply # 8875890 on 8875830

Anonymous

Hello James. I put the package in a new 10 frame box with new frames. Four with Better Comb, 2 with pre waxed Acorn, and 4 ith top bar wedges for natural comb. I’m experimenting! Seven miles up Pumpkin Ridge Road at 1100 feet elevation. Cooler than the valley where we live and nearly twice the rainfall! There were a few flying at noon, staying close to the hive.

the queen came solo in her cage. I observed several attendants on the outside feeding her and did a “hard “ release. I will inspect the frames on day 8, next Wednesday.

Thank you for the helpful comments. I’m happy to see the forum up and running!