Confused

[John Sabat]

I set a 5 gallon pail out this afternoon that had a small amount of honey and comb left from an extraction. A while later I checked on it and found it covered in bees both inside and on the outside. The bucked was on its side so as to give the bees easy access. After observing the activity for a few minutes I found that the bees could not fly from the pail to the hive. There were literally hundreds crawling on the pail and in the grass around the pail. Just for curosity's sake I let one of the bees crawl onto my hand. It appeared to be trying to clear itself as the others on the pail were also doing. I took it to the hive and let it go on the front porch and it was welcomed by the others there. Is this a case of too much consumed or what?
John

[Wally]

It's a case of too much sticky stuff. They get it all over them and cannot fly. If it is too deep, they will drown. Most, tho, will get cleaned up and fly home.
The hive will send enough foragers out to clean them. It is a normal thing when you feed pure honey.

[Locust&Honey]

When I did the bucket thing I had some bees get too much honey on them and they died. Only a few though. I had alot of the bees doing what you are describing. They get some extra honey on their feet or wings and must clean themselves in order to make flight. If you watch closely you will see that the first ones there sometimes get "pushed" in by the following bees. They don't have very good manners when it comes to full blown honey consumption. Ecspecially this time of year. Place some sticks or rocks in the honey and this will help. Don't be afraid to load up the bucket with walking aids. They will be able to get the honey quicker the more "aids" you give them.

[John Sabat]

Thanks for info guys,
Yep, they do appear a little overeager.
John