Feeding the New Colony.

Once your bee colony has been introduced to its new hive, the first few weeks are crucial for helping the bees settle in and begin building a productive, stable environment. Just like any living community, honeybee colonies need time, nourishment, and a bit of support to find their rhythm and grow into a thriving population. As a beekeeper, your role during this time is to observe, support, and ensure that the bees have everything they need without interfering too much.

New colonies require a significant amount of energy to establish themselves. One of the most important things you can do in the early weeks is to provide them with supplementary food, especially if natural nectar sources are limited or inconsistent in your area. A mixture known as sugar syrup, typically made in a 1:1 ratio of white sugar and clean water, acts as a nectar substitute. Do not use hot water; it will change the sugar's structural composition and is harmful to the bees. Just dissolve the white sugar in lukewarm or cold water. Sugar feeders come in various styles. Some beekeepers also use front entrance feeders, which attach near the hive opening. These are easy to monitor but can sometimes attract pests or robbing bees from other colonies. I use a top feeder, which sits just beneath the hive cover and is one of the most convenient for beginners. It allows you to replenish sugar food supplies without opening the hive and disturbing the bees.

Choose the feeding method that works best for your setup and local conditions. Also, ensure a clean and shallow water source is nearby so your bees stay hydrated.

You can also offer protein supplements, often sold as protein powder patties from beekeepers' supply stores. It will ensure the bees have the nutrients they need to feed their young and strengthen the workforce. Alternatively, you can make your protein patties as described below.

Homemade DIY protein patties for bees.

Ground chickpea powder (also known as besan or gram flour) or Soybean flour can be a good protein source—many beekeepers use it or mix it with other ingredients.

Protein patties are used to boost brood rearing when natural pollen is scarce (early spring, droughts, etc.), helping new or weak colonies gain strength.

Basic Homemade Protein Patty Recipe (using chickpea flour or soybean flour).

1 part chickpea flour (or soyabean flour, brewer’s yeast, or a mix), 2 parts icing sugar (powdered sugar without cornstarch if possible), a small amount of vegetable oil or coconut oil (for pliability),

• Water (to mix into a dough-like consistency) Optional: pinch of salt (sparingly)

• DO NOT add honey, as it may contain spores (e.g., American Foulbrood) that are not good for the bee colony.

• Use only clean, dry utensils and containers to prevent mould.

• Knead until smooth. Roll into palm-sized flat patties about 1–2 cm thick.

• Place patties on wax paper or in plastic wrap, and refrigerate or freeze if storing.

• When feeding, place one patty on the top bars under the hive lid or on a feeder tray.

  
  

Chickpea flour is high in protein and widely available, but not all bees digest all plant proteins equally, so if you can, mix it with brewer’s yeast or small amounts of pollen substitute from a supplier for better results. Place small quantities of patties at a time. Make sure it is fully consumed before placing any more. Hive pests like the Small Hive Beetles find it perfect place to lay their eggs to multiply. Do not give them the chance. Do not leave patties in the hive for more than a few days at a time.