Feed Buckets leaking

General Discussion of Diary Posts and Questions on Beekeeping Matters
Post Reply
User avatar
Biermann
Forum Regular
Posts: 106
Joined: August 23rd, 2015, 4:38 pm
Location: Vauxhall, Alberta

Feed Buckets leaking

Unread post by Biermann »

Hello,

I am still feeding syrup on my hives, 3 Gallon pails with screen in the lid.

The bees are slow to take-up the 30kg, could be two reasons: they could be pretty full already and/or the cool and cloudy weather we had over the past 3-4 weeks. The hives are heavy, so probably a combination of both.

One thing I noticed more, the pails leaking in to the hive in the afternoon when they warm-up. Some syrup comes out on the bottom board, is this normal? I hope my queens get out of the way or have a rubber suit.

Cheers, Joerg
1-10-2016.jpg
2-10-2016.jpg
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
User avatar
BadBeeKeeper
Site Admin
Posts: 144
Joined: April 2nd, 2016, 2:01 pm
Location: Penobsot County, Maine

Re: Feed Buckets leaking

Unread post by BadBeeKeeper »

It's caused by variations in pressure due to temperature changes.
User avatar
Biermann
Forum Regular
Posts: 106
Joined: August 23rd, 2015, 4:38 pm
Location: Vauxhall, Alberta

Re: Feed Buckets leaking

Unread post by Biermann »

Sorry Bad, I thought it was from the bees female traction.

I should have asked a question: can it be bad for the bees, can they drown in the syrup?

Probably a silly question.
Allen Dick
Site Admin
Posts: 1824
Joined: February 25th, 2003, 10:09 pm
Location: Swalwell, Alberta
Contact:

Re: Feed Buckets leaking

Unread post by Allen Dick »

Having syrup run out and onto the floor is not good. It seems your bees do not need the syrup, or had arranged the brood nest before you put it on.

It is wise to feed immediately after pulling honey since the bees tend to create a honey band above the brood and are reluctant to go up even a few inches to take overhead feed.

On the other hand, they may be out robbing outside the hive. That's just how they are. They will take feed from below or outside, but leave whatever is above up there once they settle down.

What do your hives weigh? I see they are doubles.
Allen Dick, RR#1 Swalwell, Alberta, Canada T0M 1Y0
51° 33'39.64"N 113°18'52.45"W
http://www.honeybeeworld.com/Allen%27s%20Beehives.kmz
Forum owner/janitor
---
Customise your experience at Honeybeeworld Forum at your User control Panel
Change the appearance and layout with your Board Preferences
Please upload your own avatar picture at Edit Avatar. It's easy!
Return to main diary page
User avatar
Biermann
Forum Regular
Posts: 106
Joined: August 23rd, 2015, 4:38 pm
Location: Vauxhall, Alberta

Re: Feed Buckets leaking

Unread post by Biermann »

Hello Allen,

Sorry for not getting back sooner, but I did not have the time to weigh the hives until today.

The feed buckets were removed the day after your message and I hope i did not create to much of a mess for the bees with the syrup showers. Seems they had good stores already and I should have taken the time to weigh them before adding the 30 lbs of syrup. A frame feeder would have probably done.

I have a complete empty hive, drawn frames and the weight is 59 lbs.

My hives weigh gross 148 - 152 lbs, so net, honey, bees, caps and who knows what else between 89 - 93 lbs.

I am very happy with this weight and will look inside next week when we have a sunny day since I need to remove the Apivar strips and winterize the hives. Hope I find some space still free, but the bees are using up some stores now because of the warm weather.

All the best, Joerg
Allen Dick
Site Admin
Posts: 1824
Joined: February 25th, 2003, 10:09 pm
Location: Swalwell, Alberta
Contact:

Re: Feed Buckets leaking

Unread post by Allen Dick »

My hives weigh gross 148 - 152 lbs,
That is pretty well ideal.
Allen Dick, RR#1 Swalwell, Alberta, Canada T0M 1Y0
51° 33'39.64"N 113°18'52.45"W
http://www.honeybeeworld.com/Allen%27s%20Beehives.kmz
Forum owner/janitor
---
Customise your experience at Honeybeeworld Forum at your User control Panel
Change the appearance and layout with your Board Preferences
Please upload your own avatar picture at Edit Avatar. It's easy!
Return to main diary page
Post Reply