Maintenance feed

The main difference is the objective. Maintenance feed replaces or reinforces energy stores when a colony cannot forage enough; it is often supplied as a low-moisture paste or fondant for gradual consumption. Stimulation feeding mimics a continuing nectar intake to bring brood development forward; it usually uses small, repeated portions of liquid feed, with about 50% sugar and 50% water as a reference for a homemade mix.

Protein does not define stimulation by itself. It should be added only when available pollen is inadequate, using a diet formulated to cover fats and micronutrients as well. In both cases, adjust the programme to stores, colony strength, temperature and objective.

Use it when energy stores are inadequate and natural forage cannot correct the shortage: for example, after a poor autumn flow, during prolonged bad weather or when a colony enters winter with too little food. The decision should be based on hive weight or an inspection of stores, not on the calendar month alone.

In cold weather, the feed must be within the area the bees can reach without leaving the cluster. Also check that the colony has enough bees and that the underlying problem is not disease. Maintenance feed prevents a shortage; it is not intended to stimulate brood or replace correction of other apiary problems.

An energy maintenance feed consists mainly of digestible sugars, usually sucrose or a declared glucose-and-fructose formulation, with low moisture to provide a stable texture and gradual consumption. Some products contain a small protein fraction or other nutrients, but not every maintenance feed is a complete diet.

If pollen is also lacking, the formulation must supply protein, fats, minerals and vitamins in suitable proportions. As a technical reference, a complete maintenance diet may contain around 4% total protein; more is not necessarily better. Compare the declared composition and analytical constituents before choosing.

The best store is the honey the colony keeps in its own combs. If honey has been removed and is to be returned, it should come from that colony or from a source with known bee-health status. Honey from other colonies, an unknown source or the human food chain may transmit disease spores and its smell may trigger robbing.

When safe stores are unavailable or inadequate, use a bee feed with controlled composition and storage. Do not leave honey exposed in the apiary, and avoid feeding while supers intended for marketable honey are on the hive so that the feed does not end up mixed with the crop.

Fondant and paste are normally placed above the frames, protected by their wrapper with an access opening, close to the area occupied by the bees. As a guide, the feed should be no more than about 10 cm from the brood or cluster so that the bees can reach it without leaving the warm area.

Support it so that it neither crushes bees nor obstructs ventilation, and match the amount to expected consumption. At each inspection, check that the texture remains accessible and that there is no damp, mould or wax-moth damage. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use and storage.