Congratulations if you’re a new beekeeper and are enjoying your first hive(s), of if you’re celebrating because your bees overwintered and are back in active mode. There are plenty of pollen sources around now so you can stop any supplemental feeding. For those with new bees, pollen patties should still be in use until Memorial Day. If you have new foundation (undeveloped comb) light syrup feeding should be continued. You will know when to stop when the bees stop feeding – but no later than June 1st.
If you got packages of bees on Saturday April 26, hopefully you have all been in your hives and observed eggs, larva, and capped brood.
If you got packages on Sunday May 5th, you should have gone into your hives by now to make sure your queen is out of the cage, If she is not, be sure to remove the cork and install a marshmallow. If you have undrawn comb be sure to keep feeding sugar water to encourage wax production.
