Beekeeping | What, When & How To Feed Your Bees. Don't Do It The Wrong Way!

Everything a bee eats it eats through a straw, its proboscis or tongue. Bees do not have teeth. I'll show you what I feed my bees and how important it is to not only to feed sugar, but protein too.
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[@patrickturner-y9v]

Great! I've often wondered if I could feed pollen some way other than pollen patties. You've answered my question. Thank you. No more pollen patties!

[@barbaraschmidt6965]

Whoo Hoo....65,000 subscribers and climbing!!! Way to go Dave. You are the best.🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝

[@beek]

85,000 now Barbara

[@davidmartin6312]

What a great video to watch . i'm in my 3rd year and still learning, sometimes the hard way.

[@diannemiller4754]

Congratulations on 65 thousand. Thanks again for great information.

[@beek]

Thank you Dianne, I appreciate it.

[@dougharris217]

Great video David, my one hive is really strong. The other two are weaker. I'm going to give the weaker hives some feed to help them out. Thanks again

[@beek]

Thanks Doug, glad you are enjoying the videos

[@udeaghajohnegbe7536]

Enlightening content to a neophyte beehives owner. Thank you for the content.

[@tylercox8819]

Youre videos are the bee keeping standard!

[@montanadad2223]

Just found you, thanks! I got my first honey crop this last fall! Cold up here so give winterization is no joke!

[@beek]

Glad you found my channel. Just made a new video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4CWdIehg5aqfNk

[@mikefortney7879]

Wow so much great info packed into a video. Anyone who isn’t subscribed is losing out.

[@beek]

Thanks Mike

[@jalalmeghjani]

Hello There, I am that lucky 65000th subscriber...!!!🎉🙌🎉 from Nature Blessed Honey Farm. San Antonio TX.

[@cornbreadbees5385]

I've been keeping bees since 2016 and have never fed pollen patties. The bees seem to have plenty of pollen stores so I never saw the need. I do feed sugar water in the fall and dry sugar through the winter. This spring I ended up taking over half the sugar back out they had plenty of honey stores and didn't need it. Better safe than sorry I'd rather them have to much food than not enough. Thanks for the video

[@tonypagano6941]

Bee City TONY ,I am a new comer to bee keeping this is my first hive It is thriving ,even with the drought, ,there is not much bee bread on hand for winter but plenty of honey .Your video has me going confidently into winter knowing my bees will be happy healthy warm and plenty to eat for when they go back to work in the spring.

[@beek]

Thanks Tony

[@sphill2]

Hey David, do you feed this recipe in your nucs in the spring as well?

[@HomesteadFresh]

Our mentor sent us to your channel, great info - looking forward to catching up on your videos. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@Quakierdave]

Been on a six week course, read books but lots more to learn - thank you

[@alexandriap2147]

Love watching your videos David, I purchased a bundle of your Online classes this year to help me gear up for my first year beekeeping and have learned tons. You’re a great teacher. Unfortunately I have yet to get my nuc. I’m in upstate New York and the weather its been rainy for weeks. Am I asking for trouble with this late of start with my nuc? How late is too late to start a new colony

[@beek]

Thank you so much. Glad you enjoy the videos and my online classes. It is getting a bit late in the beekeeping year unfortunately. You could try it, but lower your expectations for winter survival.

[@farmcleveland2575]

Almost at your goal! Great info! Blessings!

[@davidseverance7385]

Is there any place to order these suppliments as a package or do you have to run down each product?

[@ericanderson636]

Great info, Thanks I've been feeding my new package probably more than I should but I want them to succeed. I don't plan on harvesting any honey anyway my first season. Last inspection had a band of capped honey on most of my lower brood box. Mix of honey nector and pollen in the upper. I added my first honey supper hopping they will move all honey out of lower deep and fill with brood.

[@DavidLang007]

I am a first time beekeeper concerned about getting my bees through winter. I like the strategy of lots of bees with winter physiology but have seen in some reading that the lack of protein in the fall is what triggers the hive to begin producing these winter bees. Wouldn't giving them protein at this time delay their production? I would love to hear your take on this, we are trying to make sense of what we are learning as we are attempting to raise bees in the rocky mountains.

[@beek]

I teach to give them a two week break before feeding them in the fall so they can sense the dearth. But either way it has worked for me because foragers are the true sign that triggers this.

[@BestBuzzHoneyBees]

Another great video David! I'd like to get your opinion and more informative info on SHB, and the steps you take to keep the count down in your Deeps and Honey Supers. Worth it or Worthless.... I can say that anything that catches at least one Beetle is worth it. Just like to hear or see a video in the near future from a knowledgeable beekeeper. Thanks again for the videos, they are always helpful.

[@beek]

Good suggestion and thanks for the kind words.

[@bradgoliphant]

Hey David, I wanted to pass something by you and get your opinion on this. As far as feeding your feed, I have always know that regular sucrose sugar feed is alkaline. My grandfather, whom taught me beekeeping, told me alkaline food does not support honeybees health. So to make it more acidic to match nectar and honey, he taught me to add a tad of Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar and a teaspoon of Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C. This helps lower the ph of the sugar water and make is more acid to match the balance of the hive. I also just read a new article on this the other day and was happy to hear that what my grandfather taught me has some worth. What are your thoughts? I would be interested to know. Grateful.

[@davecavana1031]

Wow what a gem of information tell me how much syrup water to the teaspoon of absorbic acid?

[@greenspirit4229]

Hello, a question,should you feed a swarm caught in mid May through July if you are starting out with a brand new 10 frame hive without anything inside besides wax coated foundation? I understand that during this time there should be plenty of flowers available but I also understand that it takes a lot of energy to build comb. How often would you feed? Would you have too feed throughout the spring into fall season? I would not be expecting honey this year, I just would like to establish a hive. In my area it seems beekeepers started feeding bees in March, but I just got gifted my very first hive this past week. I know swarming season is currently in effect, but I want to know how viable it is to try, or should I just wait for next year?Thank you so much!

[@beek]

Yes, I'd feed as long as they are filling our frames in their brood area but stop before I place supers on.

[@bgtrev]

Thanks, learning a lot here, only issue is as new beekeeper living in Bulgaria it is difficult to find the items you mention, thanks again for helping a newbie learn as he goes.

[@beek]

Welcome to beekeeping in Bulgaria. Perhaps you can make your own or substitute something very close.

[@bgtrev]

@@beek Will certainly start looking around, many thanks.

[@bluetara4420]

Thank you for those great advices! I m new to beekeeping and I went through a few channels but yours is definitely the easiest and most comprehensive one as well as feeling your enthusiasm which feels contagious. It seems that lots of other people complicate everything and just getting the ratio of sugar and water without crazy calculations drove me insane until I found your channel!!!! You make it way simpler and easier! Just subscribed and looking forward to learn more from you, thank you!🙏

[@jimmygentry2649]

Thanks for helping me understand good bee keeping .

[@beek]

Glad to help, thank you

[@19totbees81]

thanks for that wonderful insight, i was inlighten regarding those bees with full of pollen attached on their feet, but if I inspect the hives no pollen stored in their comb, so according to you they are consuming it ASAP. therefore sounds to me that in my place pollen is not enough for my 4 beehives with single brood box. maybe need relocation,any suggestion? thanks in advance

[@beek]

You could also feed them 1:1 with pollen substitutes

[@connieryman7886]

How long does the mixed nectar keep? Does it go bad in the sun/heat?

[@hansfreundwich8331]

We're in a dearth in central Virginia from mid July to end of August. Everyone's feeding their bees during this time.

[@johnmary8439]

I looked to purchase some of your protein but it says out of stock....will it be back in stock soon?

[@rickrice9730]

Do you start with the syrup right away when you add your bees in spring?

[@beek]

I think it helps them have a good start, yes.

[@bushmaster9576]

legends say he's still dissolving the sugar with the spoon

[@gregoryscott5063]

Thanks always good info, love the Tshirt. 🐝😎

[@beek]

Glad you liked it.

[@mikelwalters6505]

I'm a Novice bee keeper, enjoyed reading you and your wife's book. You say you don't feed your bees from May to August. I'm in the deep south. Should I start feeding my bees around September and quiet feeding when they stop flying? Thank and God bless.

[@beek]

We feed in spring before our flowers start blooming, and then again in the fall when the flowers are gone but the bees are still flying.

[@dontannery1805]

Great video I have been feeding my bee's with essential oil wintergreen t tree oil an Spearman I like it because the jars stay clean . But I always wonder if it's ok to feed them that all the time And of course it's mixed in the sugar water What do you think?

[@beek]

I'd have to see extensive controlled studies on these.

[@angelad1008]

In human skin, wintergreen oil can convert to the same active compound that aspirin converts to when swallowed. I would not personally feel comfortable using it frequently with bees since I don't know what happens with the salicylate when bees consume it or store it in cells.

[@perfectpitchtodd]

Do I need to let the feed solution cool all the way to room temp before giving it to the bees?

[@beek]

No not really, my hot tap water is usually fine.

[@lfourie3380]

Can I dissolve a pollen patty in sugar water?

[@sandiwalton8324]

I'd like to know also. My homemade is not a patty! Its soup!

[@udeaghajohnegbe7536]

Thanks for the enlightenment. How do I apply the feeding system in a top bar beehives.

[@DavidWilliams-wr4wb]

Ya know if you take a cheap Walmart stick blender and churn your mix on high speed for a minute or two it causes an emulsion that mixes everything quite well , I have an emeril rechargeable wand mixer that I use for my bee stuff and it’s great for mixing pollen in your syrup

[@HaselorHoney]

Again a great video, thanks for sharing 🐝🐝

[@beek]

Wonderful, I appreciate you letting me know.

[@connormiller1853]

What would be a good plant to have more pollen storage?

[@beek]

That's a great question for my livestream this Thursday. If you ask your question there, the answer will help so many others. Not everyone reads these comments. This Thursday, 7pm central time. Here's the link: kzbin.infouCfVf1pDv5Q

[@simonscoggins4245]

Great video as always!! Thanks so much, Dave... great advise. Congrats on 65K!

[@beek]

Thanks a million!

[@richardgregory6455]

I have a jar feeder. I used a thumb tack to punch holes in the top it seems like it drips to much will this drowned the bees in sugar water? The hole are very small

[@beek]

I wonder if it is the seal around the lid? Let's make sure the jar lid is free of imperfections and that the lid does indeed have the rubber seal inside the lid.

[@CS-xg2xh]

I know this video is two years old already. Don't bees bring in far more pollen in their pollen baskets than they ingest in nectar? Should they be given dry pollen substitute or patties or will pollen suspended in liquid feed suffice?

[@johnnyjohnson536]

I just got my first nuc of bees in a 5 frame box. I placed them in a 8 frame brood box and also placed an addition 8 frame brood box on top with no supers. Even though it's late May, should I stop feeding them? I'm not looking to harvest honey until next year. I'm more concerned with population growth.

[@richardwatchingfromhalifax2122]

Like your videos learning a lot. I am a new beekeeper with two struggling hives. I could not find a queen but I did see a queen cell is formed in the middle of my frame. I had to put two HfyeGate in my hives to keep the robber bees out because they were so weak. I am feeding them sugar water along with a pollen patty. After watching your video I will start mixing the pollen powder with the sugar. Do you have any other suggestions that might be helpful to try?

[@ronkappa]

What wud be your reccomendation on feeding in tropical and sub-tropical regions where winter is not really what it is in your latitude?

[@wildlifeview]

I live near 90 acre cattle ranch I had 6 hives I only got one quart of honey. I started feeding them late July. They drink out of my hummingbird feeder also. What should I do. I did sell 3 nucs and added them to other hives because I could not get V Queen back. However I do get Sept Swarm.

[@beek]

That's a great question for me to answer on my livestream tonight, Thursday at 7pm central time. Here's the link: www.honeybeesonline.com/live

[@duynguyen8784]

Very informative information again, thank you very much

[@beek]

Thank you for your kind comments

[@a3skywarrior929]

Thanks for your info! From your Eastern neighbor 🐝

[@beek]

Thanks Richard...how far East?

[@a3skywarrior929]

3 hours and 43 minutes via Indy. Retired military so anyone not in another country/ otherside of the US are neighbors 🐝

[@a3skywarrior929]

@@beek actually wish I was closer to pick your brain, not just about beekeeping, how these wonderful creatures tick. Just bought your book and have to look into you web classes. Cheers

[@Carol-gy8gy]

Thanks for some great information

[@beek]

Thanks Carol, glad you liked it.

[@benjamindejonge3624]

Good and healthy, all they need to survive

[@billbyrd9845]

Well, I was all set to order that stuff from you, but no link for it. Please advise.

[@HigimuraStudios]

Quick question… when do you know when to stop feeding? Do the bees show signs or leave some sugar syrup? I’m a new beek and have been feeding since December 2nd (date of NUC installed). I’m in Australia, so we’re in summer.

[@beefriendlychannel7965]

Okay. You've earned a sub just with the tee shirt. You'll be hearing from me. I have clover hiding in my grass. I raised the deck after the dandelions withered.

[@beek]

Thank you!

[@jalalmm9]

If there is no pollen in nature. And I did your recipe. Does the brood develop in the beehive or not

[@jordanolsen6571]

I have seen some videos where is says to measure sugar and water by weight and not by volume. What is your opinion on this?

[@beek]

It's too close to make much difference, is my opinion.

[@g8rgrl13]

went to your site to get supplements for bee feed and it shows out of stock, any idea when you will be restocked?

[@beek]

Sorry, I do not deal with products or the website. It usually doesn't take long. People love those items. Thank you.

[@577bluegrass]

Thank you!

[@reneebrown2968]

What type of clover is the best to overseed my yard for my bees

[@tomkelly8827]

Congrats on 145 000 subscribers now!

[@beek]

Thanks

[@magdymetwally9008]

Hi David, what sort of a geger that recomend to feed my bees.magdy from australia

[@RachaelRichards-c3k]

Where can I purchase the ingredients to make my fall feed please? thank you!

[@bertanderson7383]

LOve your videos. I appreciate them very much

[@Wild_Cannon]

The link for the bee food additives didn't work.

[@shirleyrust9165]

When do you remove your supers

[@tjones2ful]

We are a ton of asters. Do you know if they store pollen from asters?

[@jeffthomas7549]

Hello just watched this video. Question is what and where do you get the protein powder and vitamin supplements and the brands that you are using? Thanks

[@tvideo1189]

I doubt he will tell you that as he is selling the stuff himself. I found the supplements on Amazon.

[@beek]

You can buy them at any bee company or on Amazon. As I mentioned in the video, I am not going to recommend a certain kind of pollen powder because all will get the job done. You can buy Amino B Booster or Honey B Healthy on Amazon or from Bee Companies.

[@beek]

Ouch! I strongly recommend that if anyone can save some bucks and buy it from Amazon or another large bee company, go for it. I mention it and make it available because some people just don't want to take time to figure it out, do a bunch of research etc.

[@ronray5838]

Hello David: I have watched your video on feeding bees (Great Video) I have a question, I have your Burns Feeding System and I have been using 32oz mason jars to feed, my question is can you use a 64 oz jars (like you have in the video) on your feeding board? if so where did you get the 64oz jar with a regular lid (not wide mouth lid) Thanks for any help. Ron

[@kristinvogel2896]

It is early May, I’m in Pennsylvania and we keep having 40-50 degree nights, and cool days. I still have a pollen patty in each of my hives. I’m ordering your sugar water supplements for dearth later this summer. Should I remove the pollen patty and replace with sugar water now as well?

[@ernestomonell2341]

Is that protein the same as the ones sold i the health stores?

[@beek]

No, has to be for honey bees

[@aarondlancaster]

If I leave out the honey-b-healthy does that take the emino acids needed?

[@reneebrown2968]

Last year I added honey be healthy to my feed and it caused them to get robbed out.

[@cassandrahuskey8866]

Yes it is Very Confusing !! And am I doing it wrong?? But I have 3 hives I bought 3 ceracell feeders - 2.5 gallon Sugar is $11 for 10lb bag. I was told 1 cup of sugar per quart of water, so thats 4 cups a gallon? And with 3 hives, filling the feeders every 4 days - adds up SUPER fast!!! So what do i do that it doesnt cost me $100 a month on sugar! Im new to bees- do i just feed in the fall and winter?

[@sledmaker02]

David I love your UTube videos a lot of beekeeping insight and I am learning a lot thank you. I have a question, when is it to have to many drones in one hive is this a sign that the queen is in trouble?

[@KraasDesigns]

How long can this stay in the box? Will it start to go rancid?

[@reneebrown2968]

Can I feed dry sugar during dearth?? I don't want to get them robbed out like last year

[@lindaliles7896]

Do you sell the bee feed you used in this video?

[@beek]

yes, honeybeesonline.com

[@lindafox4065]

Hi David, I was told 1:1 is actually pound per pound. I noticed you go by measurements instead. I calculated this and 2 cups of water to 1 pound of sugar. So which is it please. I'm soooo confused. Also I"ve heard the first number is the sugar and the second if water. Then I've heard the opposite. What is correct? Thanks in advance. I hope you see this post.

[@beek]

Being off some isn’t going to hurt. It is equal parts. For example 2 cups of sugar to 2 cups of water.

[@loriecollins3253]

How often do you feed them this mixture? I have one hive and they go through a jar of sugar water like it’s nothing… 2x a day.

[@jeffthomas7549]

Thank you sir great video..

[@stephaniewarren9285]

I put two fondue patties in my hives this winter. We have had some consecutive warm days in the 40s after freezing or negative temps. I’ve opened the hive and for the most part the patties have not really been eaten however they do have some mold on the edges. Should I remove them on the next warm day? I assume they had enough honey stores to get them through which is why they are not eating the patties. is this true?

[@garyhaley3072]

Great vid., GREAT SHIRT!!

[@beek]

Thank you!

[@francinekeane9900]

Hi David thanks again for great video. Here in Sydney we have honey supers on most of the year May through to July being the only months without them. So do you think a protein powder could be given while the honey supers are on? Thanks Francine

[@beek]

That's a great question for our livestream tonight (Thursday) at 7pm www.honeybeesonline.com/live Hope you can join us.

[@laurameno9595]

How do they eat the winter bee kind that you provide when it is a solid and they eat through their proboscis and don’t chew?

[@beek]

The WBK liquifies from the heat of the cluster and the moisture from the colony.

[@bobyoung803]

Can feed honey back to the bees. I got some. It's dark an strong taste

[@samvarghese1768]

How do I buy the feed pack from you? I’m in Ncal Bay Area. Can I build my own feeder board?

[@atharvaphalle3745]

i live in a place where there is no cold winter, the bees collect honey approximately for the whole year, so do i really need to feed bees? or should i just feed the when there is low nectar flow, plz guide me to keep my bees (future bees) healthy........

[@shirleyrust9165]

Can you feed bees with external feeders.?

[@wolfiemom7648]

My first concern was being a good steward of the bees and our land. Now it's Holy Moses igot 20k kids now😢😅😊

[@barbaramarsh3704]

What about in spring?

[@beek]

Just made a new video on spring feeding: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3K8gqKrqcudnMUsi=N0JbUH7axydDsO_2

[@cathywilson5190]

Awesome! Do you eat bee pollen yourself daily? do you see a difference in your health?

[@TheBaconWizard]

Do I have this right: You feed 1:1 with the vitamins etc in ALL circumstances, all times of year except winter when not flying, and you don't feed pollen-patties ever? No 2:1 syrup or anything?

[@DougMcHone]

Can you make it in advance? How long would it store unrefrigerated?

[@reneebrown2968]

No. I'm worried more about are my bees going to make it thru dearth. I have a new hive that I'm worried about my new hive that I started in the beginning of May. They are starting from basically a package. So far not much comb building so far from 1st look inside.

[@tomjohnston9905]

when do you give some pollen patty?

[@stevenmartin4111]

DAVE YOU SAY LATE SUMMER IS THAT MID AUGS?

[@peterchesney5923]

Speaking of honey super can you do a video on when to put a super on and when to take them off and how much to leave the bee's to winter with please

[@beek]

I've written your suggestion on my project board. Thanks. And thank you for being a Subscriber for 3 years!!!!

[@joelolmos9997]

Hey David, do you continue to mix the additional supplements to the sugar feed all the way until you switch to winter boards? I'm just about to go through my first winter with my bees and I've been reading the label on the Vitamin B-Booster and it indicates that you want to stop adding it to the mix in fall but then pick back up in winter. Just a little confused. I've been using your recipe and my bees are loving this stuff, just wanted to make sure its okay to continue the mixture all the way through fall and into winter.

[@beek]

Yes I do

[@sandiwalton8324]

Strong colony. BUT, they have overtaken the bird bath and hummingbird feeder. Nothing going on in super. Removed super, Added 3rd brood box with inner feeder. Pollen coming in, but new bees appear thin. Drought here. Some thunderstorms, winds and high temps. Others are already pulling lots of honey! Advice??