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Maintenance, stimulation, supplements and substitutes for pollen for bees

This category includes the different types of food for hives o food for bees existing in the market beekeeping Spanish.

With the arrival of the cold (usually between October to January according to area) it is advisable to feed solid food if the hive does not have enough honey to spend the autumn-winter. This is called Maintenance Food for Bees and it is for times of scarce or no flowering.

Then with the arrival of spring or some time before (from January to March according to zone) before flowering it is advisable to feed with liquid or stimulating food to have the hive prepared before strong flowering. This is called stimulation food and it must be applied a few weeks before a flowering to advance the hive and prepare it for such flowering.

There are also substitutes for pollen, recommended especially in the times of lack of this, especially in the summer or autumn. This is called protein food and should be applied when a deficit of pollen or reduced reserves in the hive is observed.

It is to be commented that in winter it is not advisable to feed with liquid food since a lot of moisture is introduced in the hive and there are more disadvantages than the advantages, especially if it is put in excess since when it is liquid they introduce it in the cells.
The question would be when and with what to feed the hives? or what bee food is the best?.
Here you find that it puts the bees to eat. Each product page includes its description, price and further details.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between food of maintenance, stimulation and protein?

Maintenance: provides energy to support the colony without over-activating the laying. Stimulation: small rations of light syrup (1:1) that simulate nectar flow and encourage breeding. Protein feed: includes proteins/substitutes of pollen for periods with poor input of pollen.

Syrup 1:1 or 2:1?

1:1 (spring, stimulus): easy to process, encourage breeding. 2:1 (autumn): more concentrated to quickly load reserves with less humidity in the hive.

When to use fondant/pasta?

In winter or when it is not advisable to add water. Place it on the frames; the bees consume it slowly without the need for intense foragers.

Can I use brown or honey commercial sugar?

Recommended white sugar. Brown sugar and molasses may contain poorly suitable compounds (HMFs, minerals). The honey of uncertain origin it can transmit pathogens and also adulterate the harvest, so it is not advised.

How do I get caught up when feeding?

Feed at sunset, avoid spills, work with ratios measured and keep hives weak reduced and closed. The internal feeders minimizes looting.

Where do I stool the food?

Syrups: in feeders internal (higher or frame). Fondant/pastas: about the frames or under the lid, with separation. Bags: performs small perforations on the top face.

When to stop the feeding?

Stop any contributions before the honeyed to prevent the food from ending in the honey intended for consumption.

Can vitamins and nutraceuticals be used?

Yeah, like complement and following dosage of the manufacturer. They do not replace good management or sanitary control.

Does the fondant or pasta expire?

Check the date of the lot. Store in a cool, dry, tightly closed place. If the block hardens excessively, it can be slightly moistened in the hive for ease of consumption.

Quick home syrup preparation ticks?

Use warm drinking water (do not boil the sugar), dissolve and let cool. Clean utensils and avoid rusty metal containers. Label with the date.

Checklist Express
  • Define objective: encourage, maintain or reserve.
  • Adjust density of syrup (1:1 vs 2:1) or use fondant if it's cold.
  • Apply small portions and avoid spills.
  • Choose feeder internal suitable.
  • Stop the feeding before the honeyed.

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