Feeding in Autumn?

Beekeeping - Basics
1

Hi there,
I’ve been beekeeping about 6 months, in Canberra, I have one classic flow hive, and have found the forum helpful in the past, and hoping for some advice again.

Our summer has been atypical with a lot more rain and storms than usual. Whilst I’m seeing a reasonable amount of pollen going into the hive, and think there is still nectar in our garden, as the bees are very busy on salvias and other flowers we have. However on hive inspection today there is definitely less honey on the brood box frames, than my last inspection 3+ weeks ago.
At the local beekeeping group a number of people said they are feeding their bees as they are not bringing in any food. As the honey stores are less I’m thinking I need to feed my hive. I’ve only done this in spring before I put the super on. Can I just take the plug out of the lid and put the feeder on the lid as I previously did? BTW there is definitely no honey in the super, though a reasonable no. Of bees sealing up the cracks in the cells of the flow frames.
So that is my other question, should I take the super off early or leave to the more typical Canberra removal in about a months time? Will the bees be too crowded in only the brood box? Our days are still warm, mid to high 20’s, but the nights are getting down to under 10o, it was only 2o one night! Any advice / info most appreciated.
Cheers
Gill

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Hi Gill, I think that local information can be more valuable than advice from people that live a long way away. If locals are feeding on account of no honey coming in, and you have the same observations, I would advise to feed.

If your colony is not bringing in much honey, and you have to feed, I would suggest removing the honey super, even if it’s a month earlier than normal.

If you give your bees access to the roof, that will allow any excess bees to hang out up there. I like the idea of cutting a 10mil slot on each end and side of the crown board. That way the bees have access into the roof, especially if you were going to use the center hole for feeding. I prefer gaps like I’m suggesting, in preference to the hole in the center. In that case, I would keep it closed when not feeding.

3

Hi Jeff,
Thanks so much for your suggestions and advice. I’m seeking local advice too, but always good to hear others views. I’ve started feeding as you suggest. Cheers

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