Bee fondant 

A frequently asked question is: what is bee fondant? Bee fondant is a mixture of powdered sugar and a little water that is often given to bees as a temporary feed source. It is intended to help the bees during periods when there is little or no nectar and pollen because no ‘forage plants’ are in bloom or the weather is too cold for the bees to forage. We offer a wide range of different types of bee fondant. With us you can also buy ready-to-use bee fondant with, among other things, added vitamins and/or proteins. Brands you’ll find with us include BeeBoost®, Apifonda (by Südzucker), Fondabee bee fondant, FondabeeFruc from (Belgosuc) and various types of bee fondant from Dulcofruct. You can buy this wide assortment of bee fondant from us. The microfine sugar crystals ensure the bees take it up steadily. It is also possible to make your own bee fondant and/or sugar syrup. For 1 kg of bee fondant, mix 900 grams of powdered sugar with 100 grams of water. In some situations you could also add a little of your own honey. In that case, make sure you use your own honey from your bees to prevent foulbrood or other contamination. To make 1 liter of sugar syrup use 800 grams of sugar and 500 ml of water. For large quantities it is recommended to have a sugar melter to use.

Showing 1 - 39 of 39 items
Showing 1 - 39 of 39 items

The benefits of using bee fondant

There are several benefits to using bee fondant. Bee fondant provides essential energy when natural forage is scarce and helps prevent starvation during such periods. For example, in a very cold winter or during prolonged poor weather such as a long cold and/or wet spring/summer period.

In addition, bee fondant supports the colony’s growth, strength, and health. This makes them better able to survive and build up in spring. Because adequate food makes them stronger, it is also a good, natural way to combat the Varroa mite.

 

How often should I feed fondant to my bees?

How often you should feed fondant depends on several factors. Weather, colony size, the availability of natural forage nearby, and the colony’s health all play a role.

In winter, when forage is scarce, you can offer fondant once to twice per month. In spring, as the colony prepares for the brood season, check weekly whether the colony is taking the fondant you placed as a precaution. In summer and fall, when there is generally enough forage, the bees will leave the fondant untouched if they don’t need it. You can then reduce or even stop offering it.

Remember that the colony’s health and size determine how much fondant they may need. To make purchasing practical, we offer different quantities. For example, we have a Fondabee 15 kg pack, a box Fondabee 12 x 1 kg, a box Apifonda 5 x 2.5 kg or BeeBoost in four variants of 1 x 1 kg (and just 1 cm high so it can be placed directly on the top bars under the crown board).

If in doubt, you can contact us by email at info@imkershop.nl, or by calling / WhatsApp at +31 6 220 830 90.

 

How do I feed fondant to my bees?

Make a small opening in the fondant with your fondant opener or hive tool. If there is enough space, you can place the fondant directly on the top bars. Doesn’t it fit? Then place the fondant, with a small opening left in the plastic, over the feed hole of the crown board so the bees can access it. The bees will not chew through the plastic wrapping. They therefore can’t escape through it, but they will neatly empty the pack of fondant.

Prefer something else? We also have protein feed for bees in the form of, for example, protein patties. The paper is biodegradable; the bees will make an opening themselves. The paper can remain on, and you place the patty, if there is enough space, directly on the top bars. Doesn’t this fit? Then place the patty in a plastic zip-lock bag over the feed hole, because the paper is biodegradable and may otherwise allow bees into the space above the crown board. Make a small opening in the zip-lock bag and place it over the feed hole. This way the bee feed patties provide the bees with sugars and proteins.


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