Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Each British Standard (BS) frame should contain approximately 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) of
honey.
Each shallow BS frame should contain approximately 1.5 kg (3.5 lb) of honey.
Each deep Modified Dadant frame should contain approximately 4 kg (9 lb) of
honey.
Note
: each full ¾ Langstroth frame covered with bees has approximately 2,300 bees;
each full Langstroth frame covered with bees has approximately 3,500 bees.
The above figures will vary, however. For example, a rare super that contains perfect
combs correctly bee spaced and totally sealed will have a greater weight of honey than
poorly built combs.
Calculating the sugar syrup stores
If the stores are short, you will need to feed your bees with sugar syrup (preferably
invert - see below):
Each 5 l (1 gal) of heavy syrup will increase the colony's stores by 3 kg (7 lb).
In 5 kg (10 lb) of honey there is 4 kg (8 lb) of sugar.
So, if the colony is 5 kg (10 lb) of stores short, feed 4 kg (9 lb) of sugar syrup.
It follows that, for other shortages, you should multiply the amount of shortage by 0.8.
You should then have the correct amount of sugar syrup to feed.
Preparing for the winter: a summary
Always ensure (and I repeat this) that the honey reserves are properly organized. In
cold areas, many authorities recommend a three-box wintering unit with reserves in all
three boxes, but that none of the boxes should be honey bound. In mild areas where
inspections can be carried out, there should always be at least four combs of honey and
pollen. These combs may be part filled.
