Feeding Bees at BeeValley

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Feeding bees at the BeeValley apiary is an essential process. It supports the health of the bees and indirectly affects the quality of the honey that reaches our tables.

Contrary to what some may think, this has nothing to do with adding sugar to honey. It is a way of helping bees during difficult periods, such as winter or early spring, when natural sources of nectar and pollen are scarce.

Feeding bees in the apiary – what is worth knowing?

Bees store supplies for winter in the form of honey and pollen. However, these reserves are not always sufficient, especially when we, as people, allow ourselves to take part of their stores.

In addition, various factors, such as unfavourable weather conditions or a shortage of flowering nectar-rich plants, may prevent bees from collecting enough food.

In such situations, to help them survive the winter and be ready to work in spring, beekeepers feed them with sugar syrups or special foods rich in nutrients.

Why do bees need feeding?

Feeding helps bee colonies survive periods when natural forage is lacking. It is particularly important in autumn, winter and early spring.

With the right support, bees have the energy they need to maintain the proper temperature inside the hive, care for the colony and begin intensive development when warmer days arrive.

Does feeding affect the quality of BeeValley honey?

Feeding bees does not affect the quality of honey in the BeeValley apiary. Beekeepers should feed bees only when they are not producing honey intended for sale – mainly in autumn and winter.

In summer, when bees collect nectar and produce honey, they do not need feeding. That is why the honey that goes into our jars comes only from flower nectar.

Types of food for bees

At the BeeValley apiary, we use different methods and types of food depending on the needs of the bees:

• Special nutritional mixtures – they contain vitamins and minerals that help keep the bees healthy.
• Sugar syrups – they are most often used as an energy food.
• Sugar and pollen patties – rich in protein, they support the development of young bees.

In addition, we often enrich the food of our bees by adding special probiotics or dedicated vitamins.

When does the BeeValley apiary feed bees?

At BeeValley, feeding takes place when the bees really need it:

• Autumn – we feed the bees to replenish their winter stores.
• Winter – if the winter is long and frosty, bees may need additional food to survive.
• Spring – in early spring, when flowering plants are still scarce, bees may be fed to improve and speed up the development of bee colonies.

Summary

Feeding bees is an important process that helps them survive difficult conditions and gives them the strength to produce honey during the season.

For consumers of our honey, this is good news – at BeeValley, we take care of the health of our bee colonies, which translates into high-quality honey.

It is worth remembering that feeding at BeeValley takes place outside the honey harvest season. Thanks to this, it does not affect the quality, natural character or nutritional value of our products.