Adding supers to new packages?
Adding supers to new packages?
If I am continuously feeding my two new packages, should I keep adding supers even though the natural nectar flow has basically stopped? In theory, they will at least keep drawing out new comb on the new foundations, right? And then they'll be ready to fill with more nectar/honey later this summer and fall?
Re: Adding supers to new packages?
You will want to continue feeding sugar water to make sure that the bees do not starve when the nectar flow slows/stops and as the bee population continues to build. If they are strong, feel the need for space, and have a good steady supply of nectar (sugar water), you have a good chance of continuing to get comb drawn. If your biggest problem is that you have 4-5 supers of drawn comb with 2-4 of those supers being capped sugar water "honey" going into winter on each hive, you will have done well. We cannot count on a late summer/fall flow although that does happen some years. You are going to want to have a full medium super of capped "honey" on each hive going into winter. This "honey" can be real or sugar water honey, but it will give the bees the feed they need as the cluster moves up to eat during the winter months.