So, in my defense this is our first year of beekeeping. When I first saw that you feed with a 1:1 syrup ratio, I assumed for every cup of water, I use 1 cup of sugar. Now I have found that it is supposed to be 1:1 by weight. Does it really matter? I was using cup for cup during feeding times and didn't notice anyting wrong with the situation, but I also don't have past experience to compare it with. So basically I was wondering which recipe is used and or better. Also, which way uses more sugar?
I've always made our syrup by volume and have never had a problem with that. I have heard other folks say that it has to be by weight, but I *think* that the weights of the water and sugar are so close that it doesn't make enough difference for me to be worried about it.
This time of year you shouldn't be feeding 1:1 syrup though, that is for spring and summer feeding since it is the closest way to mimic the nectar flow. For fall you would want a 2 part sugar to 1 part water ratio. Right now it's harder for the bees to evaporate the excess water from the syrup, also sometimes the extra moisture in the hive can cause condensation on the inside of the hive which is awful hard for the bees to deal with.
There are a lot of great options for feeding bees, you don't have to be confined to feeding sugar syrup. You can feed fondant or bee candy, it works very well and isn't usually too costly. You can always just skip the recipe process altogether and put dry sugar on top of a piece of newspaper on top of the frames too, it works great for the bees and is easier on the people.
you did just fine I remember my first year of beekeeping I was mixing it far weeker than that thinking it was 1 on 1 and they did just fine at least i didnt hear any complaints from the bees. I didnt catch my mistake until i posted on another forum what i was mixing it at and katy bar the door did they shot me with both barrels almost thought it was them ole boys that was getting the syrup instead of the bees. Anyhow as moma beek mentioned i would be feeding 2 to 1 right now if needed
This time of year I mix 16 lbs of sugar to a gallon of water or 13 qts to 50 lb bag. That will give you close to 2 parts sugar to 1 part water. To get this mixed you have to bring the water to a boil.
You're not the idiot. The one that told you it had to be by weight is the idiot. Granulated sugar and water weigh so near the same per volume that you can use either weight or volume. As stated above, food for winter storage should be 2:1, spring booster feed 1:1.
I suspect given your location that 2 to 1 at this time of year would be more appropriate.
you might also want to consider reviewing 'the mountain camp' method'... which basically let you disregard the water. granulated sugar used in this way is more emergency rations than anything else.
Your welcome! It is a handy page. The syrup calculator is my
favorite. Whether you need to make 1/2 gallon or 200 gallons,
you plug it in and it tells you exactly what quantities to mix.
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