It totally depends on your area, absolutely, what the nectar flow is like. When we have hived package bees in the third week of April before, we fed them for about 6 weeks. They consumed all the honey always given to them. I would say that they were using about 1 gallon per week, if memory serves well. I remember this because I was astounded that they would require so much. They were hived on foundation only. Didn't have any drawn foundation, that could have been possible. Beautiful and most wonderful day, Cindi