Expert Advisory Details

Suggestions for beekeeping

Honey bee colonies should be least opened during winter. Under compelling situations, the colonies should be examined very quickly during noon on some calm and sunny day. Any cracks and crevices/holes in the hives should be ensured to be plugged with plaster of paris or mud. If the colonies are still under shade, these should be shifted gradually into sun by moving less than 3 feet daily. Ensure that the colonies are not kept in the wide open all around, rather these be placed with one or two sides blocked with walls, etc. as winter breaks. The colonies entrance should face South-East direction. The surrounding and underneath of the colonies should be kept clean of grasses/weeds. Under prolonged cloudy/foggy/rainy spell, the colonies may fall short of honey stores. Under such circumstances, the colonies should be given feeding of concentrated sugar syrup (2 parts sugar: 1 part water). Prefer to provide this feed in drawn combs. Else, it can be provided in Division Board Feeder. Continue winter packing of the colonies during this month.