I'm in Southwest Illinois, and usually put them on around the first of January. Some hives sooner if they feel light, but since. In Michigan you may want to do it a few week earlier.
Awesome video! I’m about to start my beekeeping adventure this year, and your videos are a great help! Quick question, how do the bees get to the sugar from the bottom if you spread the sugar over the entire surface? Do they eat it up from the bottom of the screen?
You're doing the right thing as a new beekeeper, and learning as much as possible before getting your first hive. I spent almost two years reading and watching before I even went into a hive. The bees have direct access to the sugar on the underside of the candy board through the screen. In the video, I show how you can put a small wood block in when you pack in the sugar, then remove it when the sugar is dry. This also gives the bees access to the top of the candy board. The access provided by the wood block is also good if you plan to eventually put a pollen patty on top as it get closer to spring. That way the bees don't have to first eat through the sugar to have access to the patty. Thanks for watching the videos! Hopefully they're helping you get ready for your beekeeping adventure!
In East Texas we mash it down 😂
13:24 Dave, when do you put candy board in the hive, on Jan-Feb in MI?
I'm in Southwest Illinois, and usually put them on around the first of January. Some hives sooner if they feel light, but since. In Michigan you may want to do it a few week earlier.
I would "tamp" it down!😂
I found a small pitcher that holds 4 pounds of sugar because I also buy 25 and 50 lb bags of sugar.
I'll pank now
Always had you pegged as a panker! Joy says thanks!
Northern WI, pack it down
Close to the UP of Michigan. Must be right on the line of "Pack" and "Pank"!
Awesome video! I’m about to start my beekeeping adventure this year, and your videos are a great help! Quick question, how do the bees get to the sugar from the bottom if you spread the sugar over the entire surface? Do they eat it up from the bottom of the screen?
You're doing the right thing as a new beekeeper, and learning as much as possible before getting your first hive. I spent almost two years reading and watching before I even went into a hive.
The bees have direct access to the sugar on the underside of the candy board through the screen. In the video, I show how you can put a small wood block in when you pack in the sugar, then remove it when the sugar is dry. This also gives the bees access to the top of the candy board. The access provided by the wood block is also good if you plan to eventually put a pollen patty on top as it get closer to spring. That way the bees don't have to first eat through the sugar to have access to the patty.
Thanks for watching the videos! Hopefully they're helping you get ready for your beekeeping adventure!