Do My Bees Need Feeding For Winter: Stick Or Twist?

Do My Bees Need Feeding for Winter: Stick or Twist?

As winter approaches, one of the biggest questions for beekeepers is whether their bees have enough stores to make it through until spring—or if supplemental feeding is necessary. In this video, I’ll help you assess your hive’s food reserves, discuss when to stick with the natural stores or twist by providing extra feeding, and go over how much food your bees actually need to survive the winter months.

Why Feeding for Winter Is Important

Honey bee colonies rely on stored honey to sustain them through winter when foraging is impossible and the colony clusters to stay warm. Without enough food, bees can starve, especially during long winters or in colder climates. Making sure your colony has sufficient stores before temperatures drop is one of the best ways to support a successful overwintering.

How to Know If Your Bees Have Enough Stores

Weigh the Hive: An easy way to estimate the amount of honey stores is by weighing your hive or lifting it from the back. You’re looking for a specific target weight, depending on your region and hive type. Generally, a hive should weigh around 60-90 pounds (27-40 kg) for a strong colony to overwinter. In colder climates, the higher end of this range is often necessary.

Check the Frames: Inspect the brood box and look for frames filled with capped honey. A good rule of thumb is for bees to have at least 8-10 frames of capped honey in a standard hive box going into winter. If they only have a few frames of stores, you’ll likely need to add supplemental feeding.

Consider Climate and Colony Size: Larger colonies and those in colder regions will require more food, while smaller colonies in milder areas may need less. Understanding your local climate’s typical winter duration and severity can help you estimate the right amount of food.

When to Stick: If Your Colony Has Sufficient Stores

If your colony has plenty of honey and is at the target weight, you’re likely good to stick with what they already have. A colony that’s well-prepared and has adequate stores is better off managing its own honey rather than relying on supplemental feed. But remember to monitor throughout winter, as prolonged cold spells or unexpected food shortages can arise.

When to Twist: If Supplemental Feeding Is Necessary

If you find that your hive is underweight or short on honey stores, it’s time to consider adding supplemental feeding. Here’s what to know about feeding for winter prep:

Autumn Feeding: In the fall, provide a thick sugar syrup (2:1 sugar-to-water ratio) to help your bees build up reserves quickly. Feeding during warmer days in fall allows bees to take down the syrup, store it, and cap it before temperatures drop.

Emergency Winter Feeding: If you’re in late fall or winter and the colony still appears light, dry sugar or fondant is the preferred option since liquid syrup isn’t ideal in cold weather. Place sugar patties or fondant directly above the cluster on top of the frames to make it accessible to the bees.

Avoid Overfeeding: While feeding is important if stores are low, be cautious not to overfeed, as excess syrup in the fall can lead to too much moisture in the hive. Proper ventilation is essential to prevent condensation and ensure a dry, healthy environment for the bees.

Tips for Successful Winter Feeding

Feed Early When Possible: Feeding in early fall is ideal, as it allows bees time to process and cap syrup before cold weather hits. This prevents moisture build-up that can cause mold or weaken the cluster.

Check for Adequate Ventilation: Bees produce moisture as they consume honey, so keeping the hive well-ventilated reduces condensation buildup. Moisture, not cold, is one of the biggest threats to overwintering colonies, so make sure your hive has an upper ventilation option if needed.

Monitor Weight Throughout Winter: Use a scale or heft the hive periodically to ensure the colony isn’t burning through stores too quickly. If they’re getting light mid-winter, consider emergency feeding options like fondant or sugar bricks.

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