Ash ford/Miller feeder

[Beeman]

Got to the stage in autumn feedwhere bees are taking no more down and the tray is still more or less full-anyone got a neat solution for getting the tray off and the bees out of the feed slot entrance without making a right frenzy of things?

[Calluna4u]

Got to the stage in autumn feedwhere bees are taking no more down and the tray is still more or less full-anyone got a neat solution for getting the tray off and the bees out of the feed slot entrance without making a right frenzy of things?

This is rather surprising, as we are just starting our winter feeding, and the bees are still pretty active, with abundant pollen and even nectar on the hill today.

My first suspicion would be that there is a problem with the colony. Not taking syrup is a strong indicator of queen problems especially.

Second suspicion might be that it is already completely full, which is an issue in itself as you will not have brood space and thus enough young bees for winter. For sure not taking syrup this early and in decent weather is not especially normal.

Miller feeders are not the easiest to decant as it is two compartments with a centre slot. Ashforths are easier as the slot is on one side. Which do you have?

[Beeman]

its starting to get cold at nights over here and I never want to get caught outwith a downturn in weather which would make it more difficult to process syrup so would normally feed now-using both types of feeder