I am using a broad man entrance at the bottom. It's the one with a jar that fits down into a piece of wood. My package is a little over 3 weeks old. I have been feeding them every day. 2:1 sugar water. I understand it promotes fast growth in a new colony. They are sucking it down too. When should I quit feeding this colony or should I the first year? Should I be feeding them any protein patties? They are foraging pretty well also.
Also I have a piece of wood about 3/8" in diameter sitting on top of the queen excluder under the inner cover for ventilation. Bees can come in and out through the space it provided for ventilation. Is that okay or should it be smaller to prevent bees from coming out. It is two medium 8 frame supers with a screen bottom board.
I notice when bees return from foraging some have pollen sacks full and some don't have anything. Could it be that the empty ones are bringing nectar into the hive? thanks, gary