Beekeeping For Beginners: Central Beekeepers Alliance : Beekeeper ALERT: March 2010

Wednesday, 31 March 2010

Central Beekeepers Alliance : Beekeeper ALERT: March 2010

Beekeeper ALERT: March 2010

Posted: 30 Mar 2010 10:11 AM PDT

Report from Fletcher Colpitts,
Chief Apiary Inspector for New Brunswick
30 March, 2010:

After checking my own hives in the last warm spell and talking to some of the larger beekeepers, it may be a good idea to make beekeepers aware of the possibility of their colonies running short of food supplies.

In this part of NB, in Westmorland County, the pollen in the colonies is almost non-existent, which is unusual before spring brood rearing (April). Syrup and honey supplies are not exhausted yet, however, the present supplies will be quickly used up during brood rearing.

Beekeepers should monitor their hives and feed if necessary.

Feeding with pollen substitute patties is necessary if beekeepers find their hives in the same conditions as I have been seeing them.

If they feed, syrup feeders are not the best to use in cooler temperatures. Frame feeders placed next to the cluster and / or pail feeders above the cluster are best for cool weather feeding. (Temperature less than 10 to 15 degrees Celsius.)

The weather this winter has been unusual in every regard which has caused this unusual condition of lack of pollen and little syrup and honey supplies in colonies at this time of year.

Fletcher