Bee Candy.

The bees are tucked away for the winter, as of mid-November.  We had one ice storm, and a light snow storm, and then last weekend (December 20th) the temperature reached 65 degrees or so.  Unfortunately, I was out of town for the holidays and couldn't peek in on the ladies.  I'm concerned the temperature fluctuations are wreaking havoc on their wintering. 

Before the temperature got too cold in November, I made some "bee candy" for the first time.  I was surprised at how well it went!  I certainly would not go back to purchasing fondant - of course, I say that without yet knowing whether the candy will contribute to their winter survival.  Here's the recipe:

1. 1 cup water and 10 lbs. granulated sugar (or a 1 to 4 ratio).
2. Add 1/4 tsp. per vinegar per pound of sugar.
3. Bring to boil, stirring constantly until boiling commences.
4. Boil without stirring for 3 minutes, covered.
5. Insert thermometer, and boil uncovered until 234F is reached.
6. Remove from heat, and allow to cool to 200F.
7. Whip with whisk until whiteness occurs.
8. Pour (QUICKLY!) onto waxed paper having a towel beneath.
9. Allow to cool undisturbed.
10. Remove waxed paper, and store each cake in a plastic bags.

Here's a picture of the final product:

 

 

 

I was surprised at how well it worked.  I used 10 pounds of sugar, and 1 cup of water.  I think using more water would have resulted in a more pliable candy.  My candy is pretty hard.  However, I did not want any excess moisture in the candy, because last year my pliable fondant froze to resemble hard glass by spring.  I assume the bees have an easier time eating something that is not essentially, ice.  And a pliable bee candy will be hard as a rock when it freezes anyway.   

 

I added an empty hive body on top of the hive; stapled hardware cloth at the bottom (with holes big enough for bees); wrapped the bee candy in news paper; and placed the candy and a pollen patty in the empty hive body on top of the hardware cloth.  I covered the top hive body with the inner cover and put the lid on. 

 

I did not add any extra ventilation, though I know it is recommended.  I basically don't know what do to in terms of ventilation, so I do nothing.  I'm so concerned about the bees being subject to wind drafts and icy rain, etc.

 

I usually use the pest bottom board to help with ventilation in winter, but at the moment it is not in place, and I assume its absence is helping with ventilation.  I really have no idea whether it is better to put the pest board in place or not in winter.  If we have a big drop in temperature, I will probably put it in. 

 

Last year I wrapped the hive in tar paper.  I'm not convinced it helped all that much, however.  I have not taken that step yet this year.