To Feed or Not to Feed my Honeybees
Being a beekeeper in Walker County is a special experience, connecting us to the unique rhythms of the Pineywoods. Our landscape—rich with yaupon holly, tallow, and sprawling wildflowers—often feels like a bee paradise. However, January in East Texas is a fickle month. With temperatures swinging from a balmy 70°F during the day to a freezing 30°F at night, our colonies face a "feast or famine" crisis. This guide will help you navigate the crucial feeding decisions needed for this month’s specific forecast.The January Forecast: A "False Spring" AlertCurrent conditions in Walker County are showing a significant temperature split. While today offers a warm 70°F, we have a cold front moving in with nights dropping to 30°F through the weekend.This warmth is a "false spring." It encourages the bees to break their winter cluster and fly, which burns through their honey stores faster. If the queen begins laying eggs due to the warmth, the colony then has to work twice as hard to keep that brood at a constant $95^circtext{F}$ when the temperature plunges back to freezing at night.Reading the Signs: When Nature Isn't EnoughThe natural nectar flow in Walker County is abundant but hasn't started yet. While you may see bees returning with the first hints of elm or maple pollen, there is virtually no nectar available.The Heft Test: Before opening the hive in the wind, simply lift the back of the hive. If it feels light, they are at risk of starvation.Behavioral Cues: If you see "testy" bees or evidence of robbing during these warm spells, it is a clear sign that resources are scarce.The Inspection Rule: Only pull frames if the temperature is above 60°F. In January, keep inspections "low and slow"—check for food stores and get out.The Beekeeper’s Kitchen: January RecipesWhen nature falls short, the right syrup...
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