Bee Feed Buying Guide: Everything You Need To Know

Are you thinking of purchasing bee feed for your backyard hive? Feeding bees is essential to their health and the health of their colonies. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about buying bee feed, from what kind of feed to purchase to how much to give and when.

What type of bee feed should I buy?

The type of bee feed you should purchase depends on the type of bees in your hive and the region in which you live. In general, honey bees will feed on a variety of nectars, pollen, and other substances found within their environment. Generally, beekeepers supplement this natural food source with commercial bee feed such as sugar syrup, bee bread, fondant or candy boards, or other forms of concentrated sugar. When selecting a feed for your bees, it’s important to note that the type and quality of feed can have an impact on the health of your hive.

What ingredients should I look for in bee feed?

When shopping for bee feed, look for products that are specifically formulated for honey bees.Bee feed should contain a blend of nectar sources, such as sucrose and fructose, as well as pollen-rich proteins and oils from high-quality ingredients. Avoid bee feeds with artificial sweeteners or preservatives, which can be detrimental to the health of your hive. Additionally, many beekeepers opt for organic or sustainable bee feeds to ensure their bees are receiving the highest-quality ingredients.

How much bee feed should I give my bees?

The amount of feed you provide your hive depends on a number of factors, including the size and strength of your colony, the season and climate, and available natural sources of food. Generally, beekeepers feed their hives a combination of natural and supplemental sources, such as sugar syrup, fondant or candy boards, and hive-top feeders. Sugar syrup should be provided in small amounts on a regular basis to supplement the bees’ natural nectar sources. Hive-top feeders can be filled with either liquid or granulated sugar and should only be filled to the recommended levels, as overfeeding can lead to hive contamination.

When is the best time to feed my bees?

The best time to feed your bees depends on the season and climate in which you live. Generally, beekeepers will begin feeding their hives in late winter or early spring when natural nectar sources are scarce and the days are beginning to warm up. This helps ensure that your bees have enough food stores throughout the year, especially during periods of extreme weather or drought. Additionally, beekeepers should monitor their hive’s food supply and supplement as needed throughout the season.

What is Candy Board Bee Feed?

Candy board bee feed is a type of supplemental bee feed made from a mixture of organic or sustainable sugar, pollen, and other ingredients. This blend is heated and poured onto wax-coated boards to form a hard candy that bees can consume. Candy board feeds are an excellent way to supplement your hive’s food supply, as they provide a variety of nutrients and contain natural ingredients to promote hive health.

What is Hive-Top Feeder Bee Feed?

Hive-top feeders are specially designed containers that sit on top of the hive and provide your bees with supplemental food sources. These feeders can be filled with either liquid or granulated sugar, depending on the type of feeder and your bees’ needs. Hive-top feeders are an excellent option for beekeepers who want to provide their bees with a consistent supply of food without having to open the hive.

How often should I check my hive’s food supply?

As a general rule, beekeepers should check the food supply in their hive at least once a month. This helps ensure that your bees are getting the nutrition they need throughout the year and allows you to supplement as needed. Additionally, if you notice that your hive is not consuming its feed very quickly, you may want to cut back on the amount of sugar syrup or other supplemental feed you are providing.

What types of sugar can I use to make bee feed?

When making your own bee feed, you should use organic or sustainable sugar sources, such as cane sugar, beet sugar, and honey. Avoid using artificial sweeteners or other synthetic sugars, as they can be detrimental to the health of your hive. Additionally, you may want to try using a blend of different types of sugar for more complex nutrition.

What other ingredients can I add to bee feed?

In addition to sugar, you can also include other ingredients in your bee feed to provide additional nutrients and promote hive health. These can include natural sources of protein, such as pollen or bee bread, and essential oils, such as lavender or lemon. Additionally, you can add vitamins and minerals to the feed in order to provide a complete nutrition package for your hive.

How do I know if my bees are getting enough food?

The best way to monitor your hive’s food supply is to inspect it at least once a month. You can also look for signs of malnutrition, such as underdeveloped or light-colored combs and an overall decrease in the size of the hive. If you suspect that your bees are not getting enough food, supplementing with additional sugar syrup or candy board feed should help them get back on track. 

Should I feed my bees in the winter?

Yes, you should feed your bees in the winter, especially if you live in an area with long, cold winters. Supplementing your hive’s food supply will help ensure that they have enough energy to survive the winter and keep any new larvae healthy. Of course, you should always be sure to monitor the amount of food you are providing and supplement as needed.

What types of feeders should I use?

There are a variety of different feeders available for beekeepers, depending on your needs. If you want to provide your bees with supplemental sugar syrup or candy board feed, then a hive-top feeder should work well. Other options include frame-mounted and side-mount feeders, both of which can be filled with granulated sugar or pollen patties.

How often should I refill my hive’s food supply?

It depends on the type of feeder you are using and how much food your bees are consuming. Hive-top feeders should be refilled on a regular basis, usually every two weeks or so. Frame-mounted and side-mount feeders tend to stay full for longer periods of time, but you should still check them regularly to make sure the food hasn’t gone bad or been contaminated.

Are there any other ways I can feed my bees?

Yes! In addition to providing supplemental food through a feeder, you can also let your bees forage naturally by planting bee-friendly plants in your garden or nearby. This will provide them with pollen and nectar throughout the year and help create a healthy ecosystem for your hive. Additionally, you can also offer them water, which they need to survive.

Providing your bees with the right food is essential to their health and development. By understanding what types of sugar and other ingredients you should use in bee feed, as well as which types of feeders are best for your hive, you can ensure that your bee colony is getting the nutrition it needs. Additionally, offering your bees plenty of foraging opportunities and sufficient water will help create a sustainable hive that can thrive for years to come.