Many beekeepers rely on bulk feed to supplement natural nectar for their hives when natural sources of nectar are unavailable, such as during new colony formation, swarms or extreme weather events.
Bulk bee feed provides all the essential nutrients that bees need to thrive and stay healthy. It can be provided as a dry feed, winter patty, or as general purpose supplemental nutrition.
Contents
1. Sugar Water
Bees require a bulk bee feed that provides them with energy during the winter. Sugar water is an ideal source of carbs which help the bees prepare for cold weather.
Bee sugar water is a sweet blend of white granulated sugar and hot water, created according to the seasonal ratio.
Lemon zest can be added to lemonade, iced tea, cocktails, desserts and more for an irresistibly refreshing taste. Plus it makes a great ingredient in humming bird feeders as well.
Making sugar water is as easy as mixing one part sugar with one part water. You can measure by weight or use a measuring cup for accurate measurements.
Feed the bees during either the spring when they are foraging for nectar and pollen or the fall when honey harvesting begins. Make sure to remove the sugar water after several days so that the bees no longer require it.
2. Ambrosia
Ambrosia is an ancient natural sweetener used for centuries. Not only does it provide nutrition to bees, but its sugar content keeps them healthy as well.
It can also be an effective treatment for injury or illness due to its antiseptic properties that help combat various infections.
These advantages can be immensely beneficial to bees, giving them a better chance at survival during bad weather conditions. Bees also benefit by having access to honey stored for extended periods of time and using it as an energy source.
Another advantage of cold extracted honey is that no heat has been added during production, keeping its nutritional value high and providing it with a pleasant taste.
3. Honey in the Comb
Honey in the comb is the raw and unprocessed form of honey produced by bees. It consists of a fully drawn comb filled with capped honey that can be eaten directly from the hive or used to create other products like chunk honey or swaddled honey.
Comb honey stands apart from extracted honey in that it captures the distinct flavors and floral essences of the plants used to make it. Together, these complex flavor medleys create an experience unlike any other, especially when taken as a single product.
Bees typically construct their comb in a six-sided hexagon shape, which they instinctively chose for optimal colony needs. This shape provides more cells than other shapes without wasting building material.
Honey inside a sheet of comb can be enjoyed straight from the comb, but it also makes an irresistible spread on toast or baked goods like muffins and pancakes. You could also garnish oatmeal, granola, or other cooked foods with this delightful syrup.
4. Supplements
Supplementing your bee’s health with supplements can be an effective strategy. These may include gummies, snacks, sprays or functional foods depending on your individual needs and preferences.
Supplementing your bee’s nutrition during times of pollen dearth or when summer and fall pollen stores become exhausted (late winter) can be beneficial. There are various bee feeds and pollen substitutes available that provide the necessary nourishment.
Bees depend on protein for building and maintaining their bodies and reproductive organs. To meet their nutritional requirements, bees need a wide variety of proteins with various amino acids.
Nutritional supplements can be designed to supply essential nutrients, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. They may be added to syrups or made into protein patties that can be placed in the hive for additional nourishment.
Algae are becoming an increasingly popular source of plant-based proteins for honey bee colonies, with studies indicating that supplementing their diet with algae can boost productivity and enhance individual bee physiology.
