What to feed bees: A Guide to Bee Feeding and Fondants

Nourishing Your Hive

Beekeeping isn't just about managing hives; it's about nurturing a thriving ecosystem that benefits both bees and humans alike. For beekeepers, one of the most crucial responsibilities is ensuring our colonies have access to adequate nutrition, especially during times when natural food sources may be scarce. In this guide, we'll explore the importance of bee feeding, different types of supplemental feed, and delve into the world of fondants.

Why Do Beekeepers Feed Bees?

While bees primarily forage for nectar and pollen from flowers, there are times when they may require additional food sources to sustain themselves. This is particularly true during periods of inclement weather, such as winter or drought, when flowers may be scarce or inaccessible. By providing supplemental feed, beekeepers can help ensure that their colonies remain healthy and strong, thus increasing their chances of survival.

Types of Bee Feed:

1. Sugar Syrup: One of the most common forms of bee feed is sugar syrup, which mimics the natural nectar bees collect from flowers. Made by dissolving granulated sugar in water, sugar syrup is easy to prepare and can be fed to bees using feeders placed inside the hive.

2. Pollen Substitutes: Pollen is a vital source of protein for bees, essential for brood rearing and overall colony health. In situations where natural pollen is scarce, beekeepers may provide pollen substitutes or supplements to ensure that their colonies receive an adequate protein source.

3. Bee Candy: Bee candy typically consists of a combination of granulated sugar and water, sometimes with additional ingredients like honey or pollen substitute added for extra nutrients. Bee candy can be made into various forms, such as patties or blocks, and placed inside the hive for the bees to consume as needed.
   
   

4. Fondants: Fondants are a type of solid bee feed made from sugar and water, with the addition of various additives to improve nutritional value and texture. Fondants provide bees with a concentrated source of carbohydrates, making them ideal for winter feeding when bees require extra energy to keep warm.

Exploring Fondants:

Fondants are particularly popular among beekeepers for their convenience and efficacy as a winter feed. These solid sugar cakes are placed inside the hive, where bees can access them as needed. Fondants have several advantages over liquid feeds, including reduced risk of fermentation and spoilage, ease of storage, and minimal disturbance to the hive during feeding.

One of the key benefits of fondants is their ability to provide a sustained release of energy to bees. Unlike liquid feeds, which bees may consume rapidly, fondants slowly dissolve over time, ensuring a steady supply of food throughout the winter months. Additionally, fondants can be easily customized by adding supplements such as vitamins, minerals, or essential oils to enhance their nutritional value.

Tips for Using Fondants:

• Ensure fondants are placed in an area of the hive accessible to bees, preferably above the brood nest.
• Monitor fondant consumption regularly and replenish as needed to prevent starvation.
• Store fondants in a cool, dry place to prevent them from becoming sticky or mouldy.
• Consider experimenting with different fondant recipes and additives to tailor feed to the specific needs of your colonies.

Fondants, with their convenience and effectiveness as a winter feed, have become a staple in many beekeepers' toolkits. By understanding the importance of bee nutrition and incorporating supplemental feeds like fondants into beekeeping practices, we can help support thriving bee populations for generations to come.