Supporting Your Colony: A Guide to Bee Fondant in Australian Beekeeping
Ensuring Bee Health During Lean Times
As beekeepers in Australia, we are constantly attuned to the needs of our European honey bee colonies (Apis mellifera). While our bees are often self-sufficient, there are periods when natural nectar and pollen sources become scarce. This is where supplementary feeding, particularly with bee fondant, becomes a crucial tool in maintaining colony health and vitality. Understanding when and how to properly utilise bee fondant can significantly contribute to the survival and strength of your hives, especially during challenging seasons or unexpected dearths.
What is Bee Fondant?
Bee fondant is essentially a solidified form of sugar syrup, specifically formulated for honey bee consumption. Unlike liquid sugar syrup, its solid consistency prevents bees from drowning and significantly reduces the risk of fermentation, which can be problematic in a hive environment. It typically consists of finely crystallised sucrose, often with a small percentage of invert sugars (fructose and glucose), making it easily digestible for bees. It serves as a carbohydrate source, providing essential energy when natural forage is unavailable.
Why and When to Use Bee Fondant in Australia
The primary purpose of feeding bee fondant is to provide a critical energy supply to the colony, especially when honey stores are low or depleted. In the Southern Hemisphere, particularly in regions like Port Sorell, Tasmania, the late autumn and winter months (May to August) often present significant dearth periods. During this time, flowering plants are sparse, and bees may struggle to find sufficient nectar to sustain themselves, particularly if hives have been heavily harvested or if adverse weather limits foraging.
You should consider using bee fondant in situations such as:
Winter Feeding: This is the most common use. If your colony's honey stores are insufficient to last through the colder months, a fondant patty placed directly over the frames can provide a slow, steady supply of energy. This helps prevent starvation and ensures the queen continues to lay, albeit at a reduced rate, maintaining a core population.
Early Spring Stimulation: While not its primary use, a small amount of fondant in early spring (September/October) can sometimes provide a boost if there’s an unexpected cold snap or a delay in spring flora blooming. This can help stimulate brood rearing before the main nectar flow begins.
Nuc or Swarm Establishment: Newly established nucs (nucleus colonies) or captured swarms may not have sufficient stores to build comb and establish themselves fully. Fondant can give them the immediate energy required for this critical phase.
Extended Dearth Periods: Even outside of winter, prolonged periods of drought, heavy rain, or bushfires can lead to a severe lack of natural forage. Fondant can act as an emergency food source during these unexpected dearths.
Preparing and Feeding Bee Fondant
While commercial bee fondant is readily available from beekeeping suppliers and is often the most convenient option, some beekeepers choose to make their own. If purchasing, ensure it is specifically formulated for bees and does not contain additives or artificial colours.
How to Feed Fondant:
Placement is Key: Fondant should always be placed directly over the top bars of the brood frames. This allows the bees direct access to the food source, especially in colder weather when they are clustered.
Using a Shim or Eke: To create space for the fondant patty above the frames and below the inner cover, you will typically need to use a super or a specifically designed hive shim or eke. This provides adequate clearance without crushing bees.
Preparation of the Patty: Commercial fondant often comes in convenient plastic-wrapped blocks or patties. If so, simply cut a few slits in the plastic or peel back a section to expose the fondant to the bees. This allows them to access it while the plastic helps retain moisture and prevents it from drying out too quickly. If making your own, ensure it's a firm, pliable consistency.
Monitoring Consumption: Regularly check the fondant patty. Bees will gradually consume it, and you'll see it diminish over time. Replenish as needed. A typical colony might consume 1 kg to 2 kg of fondant over several weeks, depending on colony size and external conditions.
Benefits and Precautions
Benefits of using bee fondant:
Prevents Starvation: Provides essential carbohydrates when natural food sources are scarce.
Reduces Fermentation Risk: Unlike liquid syrup, its solid form reduces moisture content, minimising fermentation.
Less Messy: Reduces spills and mess within the hive compared to liquid feeders, also reducing the risk of robbing.
Easy Digestion: Formulated for easy consumption and digestion by bees.
Precautions:
Not a Long-Term Solution: Fondant is a supplementary feed, not a substitute for natural honey and pollen stores. It should only be used when necessary.
Pollen is Still Essential: Fondant provides carbohydrates, but bees also require protein (pollen) for brood rearing. Ensure there is adequate pollen (either natural or a pollen substitute) if feeding fondant for extended periods, especially when active brood rearing is desired.
Avoid Over-Feeding: Only feed what is necessary. Excess feeding can sometimes lead to bees storing fondant instead of honey, which isn't ideal for honey production.
Check for Pest Activity: Ensure proper hive maintenance to prevent pests like small hive beetle or wax moth from being attracted to the fondant, especially if it's exposed.
Conclusion
Incorporating bee fondant into your beekeeping management plan is a valuable strategy for supporting the health and resilience of your colonies through challenging periods. By understanding its purpose, knowing when to apply it, and using proper feeding techniques, you can ensure your European honey bees in Australia have the best chance to thrive, even when nature's pantry is temporarily bare. As Stewart Harry, I am dedicated to promoting healthy beekeeping practices that benefit both the bees and our unique Australian environment here in Port Sorell, Tasmania. Responsible feeding is a key part of this commitment.
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