As the seasons change, beekeepers need to adapt their feeding methods to ensure their colonies remain healthy and productive. One of the key transitions is switching from syrup to fondant. Both provide vital sustenance, but they serve different purposes depending on the time of year and the colony’s needs. Here’s a guide on when and why to make the switch.
Understanding the Basics of Bee Feeding
Syrup: Sugar syrup, typically a mixture of sugar and water (2:1 in autumn), is often fed to bees in early autumn once supers have been removed. It provides an easily digestible source of carbohydrates that bees can quickly store and convert into stores. This is particularly useful when nectar sources are low, and the colony needs an energy boost.
Fondant: Fondant is a thicker, dough-like substance made from sugar. Unlike syrup, it doesn’t contain much water, making it more suitable for cold weather. It’s typically used as winter feed when the colony can’t forage. There is no need to feed pollen substitutes in the Autumn.
When to Make the Switch
The right time to transition from syrup to fondant depends on the local climate, the colony’s needs, and the goals of the beekeeper. However, general guidelines can help you determine the best time for your hive.
Late Autumn: Transition to Fondant
As temperatures begin to drop consistently below 10°C, it’s time to switch from syrup to fondant. At these temperatures, bees are less active and cannot process the water in syrup efficiently. If bees consume syrup in cold weather, it can increase moisture within the hive, which can lead to damp conditions and increase the risk of mold or disease.
Check the weather forecast in your area and monitor the average daily temperatures. When daytime highs are consistently low, it’s time to remove any remaining syrup feeders and introduce fondant instead.
Hive Activity as a Gauge
Bees begin to cluster as temperatures drop, becoming less active to conserve energy and maintain heat within the hive. If your bees are clustering and staying inside the hive, it’s a good sign they’re ready for winter feeding.
During this period, the colony will be relying on stored food for energy. Fondant is ideal because it can sit directly above or near the cluster without requiring bees to break their cluster to access it.
Late Winter/Early Spring: Monitor and Supplement
As winter progresses, periodically check the hive’s food supply on warmer days when the bees are slightly more active by "hefting" the hive. If the fondant supply is running low, add more. Bees need food to sustain the cluster and to start brood rearing as the queen begins laying eggs again in late winter.
Benefits of Switching to Fondant in Winter
Reduced Moisture: Since fondant doesn’t add water to the hive, it reduces the risk of condensation, which is a common problem in winter. Cold, damp hives are detrimental to bee health and can cause colony stress or even death.
Convenient Placement: Fondant can be placed directly on top of frames or within the hive. This makes it accessible to the bees even when they’re clustered, allowing them to stay warm while feeding.
Longer Shelf Life: Unlike syrup, which can ferment or crystallize, fondant remains stable over time. It’s less likely to spoil, making it an ideal long-term feeding solution through winter.
How to Prepare and Feed Fondant
Many beekeepers buy pre-made fondant, which is convenient and consistent. However, you can also make your own fondant by slowly heating sugar and water to a specific temperature and allowing it to cool to the desired consistency.
Place the fondant in a shallow feeder above the cluster, or lay it directly on top of the frames. If you’re using a candy board, place the fondant into the board for easy access.
Ideally aim to have feed enough food to the colony by late September that they have enough in the hives to sustain them for the winter 20kg per hive.
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