Beekeeping comes with its challenges, and one of the most critical periods is during a dearth or drought. When natural forage is scarce, your bees might struggle to find the nectar and pollen they need to sustain the colony. In these times, supplemental feeding can be the difference between survival and starvation. This blog will guide you on how to feed your bees effectively during such periods, including the ingredients and methods you need to know.
Why Feed Bees During a Dearth?
During a dearth or drought, flowers stop producing nectar, and pollen sources become scarce. Without these vital resources, colonies may:
- Suffer from malnutrition.
- Produce fewer brood, weakening the hive.
- Turn to robbing other hives, leading to conflict and hive collapse.
Supplemental feeding ensures your bees maintain their energy and the colony stays strong until forage becomes available again.
Types of Feed for Bees
There are two main types of feeding to consider: nectar substitutes and pollen substitutes. Both play essential roles in keeping your bees healthy.
1. Nectar Substitute: Sugar Syrup
Sugar syrup mimics the natural nectar bees collect. The concentration of the syrup depends on the season:
- 1:1 Ratio (Equal parts water and sugar): Best for stimulating brood production during the spring or early dearth.
- 2:1 Ratio (Two parts sugar to one part water): Suitable for building winter stores or during prolonged droughts when immediate energy is needed.
Ingredients:
- White granulated sugar (avoid raw or brown sugar as they can contain harmful contaminants).
- Clean, lukewarm water.
- Mineral Bee (additive to add vitamins and minerals to your syrup)
- Apple Cider (Slows down the natural fermentation of sugar syrup)
Instructions:
- Heat water gently and bring just to the boil.
- Add sugar gradually while stirring until fully dissolved.
- Allow the syrup to cool back to room temperature
- Before feeding it to the bees, add in Mineral Bee (10ml to 1litre of mixture)
- In order to help slow down the natural sugar/water syrup from fermenting, we recommend adding in a splash (one cap full) per litre of Apple Cider to the finished sugar syrup.
2. Pollen Substitute
Pollen is essential for protein and other nutrients, especially for brood rearing. If natural pollen is unavailable, you can provide a substitute in patty or dry powder form.
Ingredients for Pollen Patties:
- Pollen substitute (available at beekeeping suppliers, e.g., soy flour or commercially prepared mixes like Custom Bee Feed).
- Sugar syrup (1:1 ratio).
- Optional: A small amount of natural pollen if available.
Instructions:
- Mix the pollen substitute with sugar syrup to form a dough-like consistency.
- Flatten into patties and place between two sheets of wax/greaseproof paper, score one side in a cross-hatched patter (1" or 25mm spacings between scores) for bees to access.
- Place the patties directly above the brood box with the scored side down and near the brood cluster.
Feeding Methods
1. Internal Feeders
- Frame Feeders: These replace a frame in the brood box and hold sugar syrup securely.
- Top Feeders: Placed on top of the hive for easy access.
2. External Feeders
- Entrance Feeders: Attach to the hive entrance but may encourage robbing. Use cautiously.
- Bucket Feeders: Inverted buckets with small holes placed over the hive allow controlled feeding.
3. Dry Feeding
For pollen substitutes, place dry powder in a sheltered area near the hive. Bees will collect it as needed.
Important Tips for Feeding
- Avoid Overfeeding: Excess feeding can lead to crowding in the hive and reduced queen laying.
- Prevent Robbing: Reduce entrances to make it harder for other bees to attack your hive for food.
- Monitor the Hive: Check regularly to see if the colony is consuming the feed and adjust as needed.
- Provide Fresh Water: Bees need water to dilute thick honey and to maintain hive temperature.
When to Stop Feeding
Feeding should cease once natural forage becomes available. Prolonged feeding during a nectar flow can disrupt honey production and result in sugar syrup being stored in place of honey. Always monitor your local environment and adjust accordingly.
Conclusion
Feeding bees during a dearth or drought is a vital practice for responsible beekeeping. By providing a simple sugar syrup and pollen substitute, you ensure your bees stay healthy and productive during tough times. With proper feeding techniques and close monitoring, your colony will emerge from the dearth ready to thrive in the next bloom.
Have you encountered challenges during a dearth? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!