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How to Feed Bees Fondant

If bees fail to store a minimum of 50 to 60 lbs. of honey during the summer flow, the hive may starve out long before winter ends. To save the hive, the beekeeper must then provide emergency food. Offering a 2:1 sugar syrup in a hive-top feeder is one solution, but if the weather is cold, the bees may not leave the warmth of the cluster to feed. On the other hand, fondant, or bee candy, is placed on the frames directly above the cluster where it is easier for the bees to reach.

Things You'll Need

1 1/2 cups water
2 cups sugar
2 tbsp. corn syrup
1/8 tsp. cream of tartar
Pot
Spoon
Candy thermometer
Cookie sheet
Waxed paper

Instructions

- 1
  Dissolve the sugar, corn syrup and cream of tartar into the water.
- 2
  Heat the mixture without stirring until it reaches 238 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the temperature with a candy thermometer.
- 3
  Pour the candy mixture out onto a cool surface. Let the candy sit until it is cool to the touch.
- 4
  Beat the candy until it is thick.
- 5
  Pour the candy mixture onto a wax-paper-lined cookie sheet and allow it to harden.
- 6
  Break the candy into pieces. Place pieces of the candy on the frames above where the bees are clustered.

Insects & Science