Fondant Hive Alive 12kg

01 · WHAT IS IN IT

Sugars, vitamins and the dose already in

The patty combines sugars, vitamins and amino acids with the HiveAlive dose already worked in, so there is nothing to dose separately. Raw materials are European and GMO-free, with a fine grain — which is what makes the bees take it well: the finer the crystal, the less dissolving work. It is made keeping HMF from rising, which is where any badly processed sugar paste goes wrong.

02 · HOW TO PUT IT IN

Face down, and in Layens separating two frames

Make a small opening in the patty and place it face down directly on the brood chamber — the orientation that leaves easy access. In a Layens hive you need to separate two frames to open the way up to the patty; otherwise the bees reach it badly and the paste goes uneaten. Placed like that, it neither runs nor sticks to the crown board.

03 · WHAT HIVEALIVE IS

A supplement, not a medicine

HiveAlive is a non-medicinal supplement based on plant and marine extracts. The manufacturer states that it leaves no residue in honey. And it is worth saying what it is not: it is not a medicine, it has no veterinary registration and it treats no hive disease. It is an energy paste with an addition; if there is a health problem at the apiary, that is diagnosed and treated separately.

04 · BEFORE YOU BUY

If you work organically, check with your control body first: the product is not recognised as an organic beekeeping input, although some bodies allow its use under veterinary supervision. At two patties a year — one in autumn, one in spring — a 12 kg box covers the season of a small apiary. And the usual rule: do not feed during the flow if you intend to harvest that honey for sale.