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I have been feeding for several weeks using top feeders. The girls have stopped taking the syrup. Only a few eating. Should I remove the feeders or just leave the? Does syrup go bad?

How heavy is the hive? If it's heavy, remove the feeder. If light, leave the feeder on. The bees will take the sugar water even after it molds and ferments. No problem...

I have been feeding between 1:1 and 2:1 sugar water in jars about 30 feet behind my hives and the bees are very enthusiastic about it. They are also going to the water in significant numbers and bringing in some pollen. I'm wondering if they are still making significant brood considering the warm weather we are having or whether they are using the water to dilute stored honey as they burn through winter supplies. I am going to keep an eye on them and be prepared to supplement their stores as temperatures permit in the upcoming months.

The bees were still going to the sugar water through yesterday, but I suspect things will be slower for the next 4-5 days. I mixed up a batch of Wally's yeast and other things (8lbs yeast, 1lb soy flour, +/- 1/2lb powdered sugar), and put a small bowl of it beside the jar feeders. After a few minutes, some bees were checking it out. I wasn't sure if the crowd at the jar feeders was forcing bees into the bowl or if they were interested in it for its own sake. I moved the bowl about a foot away and bees kept coming to it and loading up.

I don't think I will keep putting it out, but will do that later in the winter when I want to encourage the ramp up for the rearing of spring bees. It was good to see that the bees like the mix, and as long as they don't take it back to the hive, mix it with water, make home brew and turn into a bunch of drunks, I think things will work out.

Rob,
Was your +/- 1/2lb powdered sugar, confectioners sugar or did you put some granulated sugar in the food processor and grind your own.

I made my own in the food processor--fast, easy, cheap, and pure sugar with no additives.