I have a weaker colony of bees in one deep box. I have put them on top of a two box strong colony with a double screen board in between, so that the weaker will benefit from the stronger's heat. I am currently feeding the weaker colong of bees a 2:1 sugar syrup in a frame feeder inside the deep. Should I pull that feeder for the winter and replace it with a frame with bare foundation (that is all I have), or should I leave the feeder in for the winter?
Betsy Gabriel
Blue River Oregon

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I'd proabably leave the feeder in to make sure they have plenty to eat this winter. The reason we loose more hives in the winter months is because they starve...Since it was already a weaker hive and they don't have a build up of honey for the winter...I'd keep feeding them. If you have a super of honey from a stronger hive you could give them that...

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When I first started, I lost quite a few hives in the winter. I now put 2 - 1 gallon bucket feeders in the top of the hive and have not lost one since over the winter. I bought them from one of the bee supply outfits. I put a hive body on top and place them in there on pieces of wood.

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danke

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