The short answer is yes, you’ll probably need to feed your bees, especially if you’re installing a new honeybee colony. But as with most things in beekeeping, there are some important things to consider. In most situations and locations, new beekeepers officially start their hobby during the spring. In most places, hive installation arrives just before many good sources of nectar or pollen foraging resources are available near the bee yard.
Honeybee colonies require large amounts of nectar and pollen to successfully build comb and then fill them with enough resources to support their growth and future survival. Anytime natural sources of nectar or pollen are limited, like in the case of a nectar dearth or during long periods of rainy weather, a beekeeper should consider adding supplemental feed to their hives. (Learn more about what, when, and how to feed honeybees in the “Read More” section below!)
When installing newly purchased honeybee colonies, feeding bees can be especially crucial. Unlike established colonies that already have resources stored and ready for consumption, newly installed package bees, nucleus colonies, or swarms must rely completely on resources brought into the hive from foraging worker bees. New colonies have a lot of added work to build wax combs and ensure the queen has space to lay eggs quickly, on top of ensuring that bees have enough nutrients to have the energy they need and sustain the colony’s growth, especially their developing brood.
In the spring, feeding sugar syrup is a popular choice until the nectar flow begins, though many beekeepers find candy boards to be a better option when temperatures are still cold during the winter and early spring months. Pollen supplements should only be fed to bees who are actively rearing lots of brood, this is usually necessary later in the spring. Pay close attention to when bees stop needing and taking in supplemental feed. Excess or spilled food should always be removed once natural resources are plentiful to prevent overfeeding and to limit the smell of ample resources which could attract the attention of robber bees or other pests, especially bears!
Read More
When, What, and How to Feed Honeybee Colonies
The Beekeeper’s Role in Avoiding Colony Starvation
Helping Bees Through a Nectar or Pollen Dearth
Providing Pollinator Friendly Plants
Don’t forget that one benefit of joining a local beekeeping club, or an online beekeeping community like our awesome Colony, is connecting with experienced beekeepers who can provide guidance and insights on feeding your bees, specific to your bees, bee yard location and colony’s health status.
Introduction to Feeding Honeybees *
Using Feeders with Your Beehive *
Understanding the Honey Flow *
* Colony Member-Only Content
