Hey there, fellow beekeepers! Peter Ezebube here from Odeda Farm Institute, Eweje Village, Odeda LGA, Ogun State. Let me share what I’ve learned from 10 years of beekeeping in Nigeria.
Dearth periods hit hard in Nigeria. Your bees need proper feeding to survive these tough times. This guide shows you exactly what to feed bees during the dearth period in Nigeria.
Understanding the Dearth Period in Nigeria
What is a Dearth Period?
A dearth period means very few flowers produce nectar for bees. In Nigeria, this happens during our dry season (November to March). Plants stop making nectar when there’s no rain. Your bees struggle to find food.
A dearth (an absence) of nectar means that your hungry bees will have to eat stored honey or syrup from a feeder to sustain themselves. I see this every year in Ogun State. The harmattan winds dry up most flowering plants.
During my years at Odeda Farm Institute, I’ve watched many new beekeepers lose colonies during dearth. Their bees simply starved because they didn’t know what to feed them.
Nigerian Dearth Season Timeline
Nigeria’s dearth period follows our weather patterns. Here’s what I’ve observed:
November – December: Early dearth begins. Rains stop, flowers reduce quickly. January – February: Peak dearth period. Almost no natural nectar sources available. March: Late dearth continues. Some early rains might bring few flowers.
Your bees consume stored honey during this time. Without enough stores, they’ll die. That’s why knowing what to feed bees during the dearth period in Nigeria saves colonies.
Signs Your Bees Need Feeding During Dearth
Physical Signs to Watch For
Check your hives regularly during dearth. Look for these warning signs:
Reduced Activity: Fewer bees flying out. They’re conserving energy because there’s no nectar. Aggressive Behavior: Bees become more defensive. Hunger makes them cranky. Weight Loss: Lift your hives. Light hives mean low honey stores.
I learned this the hard way. In 2019, I lost two colonies because I didn’t feed them early enough. The signs were there, but I ignored them.
Behavioral Changes in Hungry Bees
Hungry bees act differently. They’ll rob other hives if they can. I’ve seen this many times in my apiary. Strong colonies attack weaker ones for honey.
Signs of a nectar dearth include a sudden drop in honey production, bees visiting less desirable flowers, increased defensiveness during hive inspections, and reduced brood rearing.
Your bees might also start eating their own brood. This breaks my heart every time I see it. It’s their last resort to survive.
Essential Feeding Options for Nigerian Bees
Sugar Syrup – The Primary Solution
Sugar syrup is your best friend during dearth. It’s cheap, easy to make, and bees love it. Here’s what works best in Nigeria:
1:1 Ratio: Equal parts sugar and water. Use this for general feeding. 2:1 Ratio: Two parts sugar to one part water. Better for building up weak colonies.
1:1 Ratio (Equal parts water and sugar): Best for stimulating brood production during the spring or early dearth. 2:1 Ratio (Two parts sugar to one part water): Suitable for building winter stores or during prolonged droughts when immediate energy is needed.
Always use white sugar, not brown. Brown sugar contains molasses that can upset bee stomachs. I buy 50kg bags from Alaba Market in Lagos. It’s much cheaper than retail.
Honey Feeding – Premium Option
Feed your own honey back to bees if you have extra. This is the most natural option. Mix equal parts honey and warm water. Stir until dissolved completely.
Never buy honey from unknown sources to feed bees. It might contain diseases. I only use honey from my own hives. Safety first!
During my seminar in Ibadan last year, a beekeeper asked about feeding store-bought honey. I told him the same thing. Only use honey you harvested yourself.
Homemade Bee Feed Recipes
Here are proven recipes I’ve used for years:
Basic Sugar Syrup: 1kg sugar + 1 liter water. Boil water, add sugar, stir until dissolved. Let cool before feeding.
Protein Supplement: Add 100g soybean flour to 1 liter sugar syrup. Bees need protein for brood rearing.
Herbal Addition: Add few drops of lemon juice. It prevents syrup from spoiling quickly in our hot climate.
Commercial Bee Feed Options
Several companies now sell bee feed in Nigeria. I’ve tried most of them. Here’s my honest review:
Vital Feed: Good quality but expensive. Works well for large apiaries. Bee Strong: Affordable option. Contains vitamins and minerals. Hive Booster: New product. Still testing it in my apiary.
Most commercial feeds cost more than homemade syrup. For small-scale beekeepers, stick with sugar syrup. It’s proven and affordable.
Step-by-Step Feeding Process
Preparation Methods
Clean all feeding equipment first. Dirty feeders spread diseases. I use bleach solution, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Boil water in a large pot. Add sugar slowly while stirring. Keep stirring until completely dissolved. Let cool to room temperature before feeding.
Never feed hot syrup to bees. It can kill them. Always test temperature with your finger. It should feel cool or lukewarm.
Feeding Equipment You Need
Boardman Feeder: Fits at hive entrance. Good for small amounts. Top Feeder: Sits on top of hive. Holds more syrup. Hive-top Feeder: Internal feeder. Prevents robbing.
I prefer hive-top feeders during dearth. They reduce robbing between colonies. Robbing weakens all your hives.
You can make simple feeders from plastic containers. Drill small holes in the lid. Flip upside down over frames. Bees access syrup through holes.
Feeding Schedule and Amounts
Feed small amounts regularly rather than large amounts once. This prevents spoilage and reduces robbing.
Weak Colonies: 500ml syrup every 2-3 days. Strong Colonies: 1 liter syrup every 3-4 days. New Colonies: 250ml syrup daily for first week.
Check feeders every few days. Refill when nearly empty. Remove any spoiled or fermented syrup immediately.
During peak dearth (January-February), I feed all my colonies twice weekly. It’s extra work but saves colonies from starvation.
Feeding Schedule Table
| Colony Strength | Syrup Amount | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strong (8+ frames) | 1 liter | Every 3-4 days | Throughout dearth |
| Medium (5-7 frames) | 750ml | Every 2-3 days | Throughout dearth |
| Weak (3-4 frames) | 500ml | Every 2 days | Throughout dearth |
| New colonies | 250ml | Daily | First 2 weeks |
| Nucleus colonies | 300ml | Every 2 days | Throughout dearth |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overfeeding Problems
Many beginners overfeed their bees. This causes several problems:
Syrup Overflow: Bees can’t consume large amounts quickly. Excess syrup spills and attracts ants. Robbing: Too much syrup attracts bees from other hives. This causes fighting. Syrup Spoilage: Unused syrup ferments in hot weather. Fermented syrup makes bees sick.
I made this mistake in my second year. Fed 2 liters to a small colony. Half spilled out, attracting thousands of ants. Lesson learned!
Feeding at Wrong Times
Never feed during honey harvest season. Bees might store syrup in honey supers. This ruins honey quality.
Don’t feed during active nectar flows either. Bees ignore feeders when natural nectar is available. Wait for true dearth periods.
Feed early morning or late evening. Avoid midday feeding when temperatures are highest. Hot syrup spoils faster.
Using Wrong Sugar Types
Only use white granulated sugar. Avoid these:
Brown Sugar: Contains molasses that causes bee dysentery. Raw Sugar: Has impurities that upset bee stomachs. Artificial Sweeteners: Toxic to bees.
I once bought brown sugar by mistake. Three colonies got sick with diarrhea. Took weeks to recover them.
Local Nigerian Feeding Solutions
Plantain and Banana Syrup
Ripe plantains make excellent bee feed. Mash very ripe plantains, add equal amount of water. Strain through cloth. This gives natural sugar syrup.
Banana peels work too. Boil peels in water for 30 minutes. Strain liquid, add sugar if needed. Bees love the potassium content.
I discovered this during food shortage in 2020. Couldn’t buy sugar for weeks. Plantain syrup saved my colonies.
Palm Wine Feeding
Fresh palm wine contains natural sugars. Dilute with equal water before feeding. Only use fresh wine, not fermented.
Many traditional beekeepers in my area use this method. It works, but sugar syrup is more reliable.
Warning: Never use fermented palm wine. Alcohol kills bees quickly.
Coconut Water Supplement
Fresh coconut water contains natural electrolytes. Mix with sugar syrup for better nutrition. Use 1 part coconut water to 2 parts sugar syrup.
This is expensive but worth it for valuable colonies. I use it for my queen-rearing hives.
Regional Considerations for Nigerian Beekeepers
Northern Nigeria (Sahel Region)
Dearth periods last longer in the north. Start feeding earlier (October) and continue until April. Dust storms also affect bee health.
My colleague from Kano feeds his bees longer than I do. The harmattan is harsher there. Plan accordingly.
Middle Belt Region
This area has shorter dearth periods. Feed from December to March. Watch for early rains that might end dearth early.
Southern Nigeria (Forest Zone)
Coastal areas have the shortest dearth. Some flowers bloom year-round. But dry season still affects nectar production.
In Lagos, I’ve seen beekeepers who never feed their bees. They rely on urban flowers. This is risky during severe droughts.
Advanced Feeding Techniques
Protein Feeding
Bees need protein for brood rearing. Add protein supplements to sugar syrup:
Soybean Flour: 50g per liter of syrup. Groundnut Cake: Ground finely, 30g per liter. Fish Meal: 25g per liter (use sparingly).
Mix protein supplements well. Clumps can block feeders or upset bee stomachs.
Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
Add these to improve bee health:
Vitamin C: Few drops of lemon juice per liter. Salt: Pinch of table salt per liter. Pollen Substitute: Commercial products available.
I’ve noticed stronger colonies when I add these supplements. Brood rearing continues better during dearth.
Medicinal Feeding
Some plants help bee health:
Neem Leaves: Boil few leaves in water, strain, add to syrup. Helps fight diseases. Garlic: One clove per liter of syrup. Natural antibiotic. Ginger: Small piece boiled in syrup. Aids digestion.
Use these carefully. Too much can harm bees. Start with small amounts.
Seasonal Feeding Calendar
Pre-Dearth Preparation (October-November)
Check colony strength before dearth begins. Weak colonies need early feeding. Strong colonies might survive on stores alone.
I start feeding weak colonies in October. This builds them up before main dearth hits.
Peak Dearth Management (December-February)
This is when most feeding happens. Monitor colonies closely. Increase feeding frequency if necessary.
January is the hardest month. I visit my apiary every other day during this time.
Post-Dearth Recovery (March-April)
Reduce feeding as natural nectar returns. Stop completely when strong nectar flows begin.
Don’t stop feeding too early. Late dearth can still cause problems.
Emergency Feeding Situations
Recognizing Starvation
Starving bees act desperately. They cluster tightly, move slowly, and barely fly. Dead bees around hive entrance is bad sign.
Check for honey stores. If combs are empty, feed immediately. Every hour counts.
Rapid Response Feeding
For emergency situations:
Sugar Water: Mix sugar with warm water. Don’t wait for proper syrup. Honey Water: Mix honey with water if available. Candy Feeding: Make thick sugar paste, place directly on frames.
I carry emergency sugar mix in my car during dearth season. Saved several colonies this way.
Dealing with Robbing
Robbing increases during dearth. Hungry bees attack weaker colonies. Signs include:
Fighting at Entrances: Bees wrestling, pulling each other. Unusual Activity: Lots of bees flying around weak hives. Torn Wax: Wax pieces scattered around hive.
Stop robbing by:
- Reducing entrance size
- Moving feeders inside hives
- Feeding at night only
- Using screened feeders
Cost-Effective Feeding Strategies
Bulk Sugar Buying
Buy sugar in large quantities during low prices. Store in dry, sealed containers. This saves money during dearth season.
I buy 500kg every September. Store in metal drums with tight lids. Mice and ants can’t get in.
Cooperative Feeding
Form groups with other beekeepers. Buy sugar together for better prices. Share transportation costs too.
Our Ogun State beekeepers association does this. We save about 15% on sugar costs.
Feeding Prioritization
Not all colonies need equal feeding. Prioritize:
- Queen-rearing colonies: Need continuous feeding.
- Weak colonies: Feed to build strength.
- Strong colonies: Feed only if stores are low.
- Old colonies: May need more support.
This strategy saves feed while keeping important colonies alive.
Monitoring and Adjusting Feed
Signs of Successful Feeding
Well-fed colonies show these signs:
Active Foraging: Bees continue flying even during dearth. Steady Population: No major decline in bee numbers. Continued Brood Rearing: Queen keeps laying eggs. Calm Behavior: Bees remain relatively peaceful.
When to Increase Feeding
Increase feeding if you see:
Rapid Syrup Consumption: Bees finish feed quickly. Continued Weight Loss: Hive keeps getting lighter. Aggressive Behavior: Bees become more defensive. Brood Reduction: Queen reduces egg laying.
When to Reduce Feeding
Reduce feeding when:
Natural Nectar Returns: Bees ignore feeders. Hive Weight Increases: Colonies gaining weight naturally. Increased Flight Activity: More bees foraging outside. Surplus Syrup: Bees not consuming all feed.
Safety Considerations
Feeding Equipment Safety
Clean all equipment between uses. Dirty feeders spread diseases between colonies. I use bleach solution for disinfection.
Check feeders for sharp edges. Bees can get cut and die. Sand down rough areas.
Syrup Quality Control
Test syrup before feeding. Should taste sweet, not sour. Spoiled syrup makes bees sick.
Store unused syrup in refrigerator. Use within 3 days in hot weather. Discard if it smells off.
Personal Safety
Wear protective gear when feeding. Hungry bees are more aggressive. I always use smoker when refilling feeders.
Feed during calm weather. Avoid rainy or windy days. Bees are more defensive in bad weather.
Troubleshooting Common Feeding Problems
Syrup Fermentation
Hot weather causes syrup to ferment quickly. Add drop of vinegar to prevent this. Replace fermented syrup immediately.
If syrup smells like alcohol, throw it away. Don’t risk bee health.
Ant Problems
Ants love sugar syrup. Use ant guards on feeder legs. Oil-filled containers work well.
Cinnamon powder around feeder base deters ants. Reapply after rain.
Bee Drowning
Bees can drown in liquid feeders. Add twigs or cork pieces for landing spots. This gives drowning bees chance to escape.
I use small sticks from neem trees. They float well and bees can climb on them.
Wasp and Hornet Issues
Wasps attack weak colonies during feeding. Use entrance reducers to help bees defend themselves.
Remove wasp nests near apiaries. They compete with bees for syrup.
Record Keeping for Feeding
Feeding Logs
Keep records of all feeding activities:
- Date and time of feeding
- Amount of syrup given
- Colony response
- Weather conditions
- Problems encountered
Good records help you improve feeding strategies over time.
Cost Tracking
Track feeding costs for each colony:
- Sugar expenses
- Labor time
- Equipment costs
- Success rates
This helps determine which colonies are worth maintaining.
Colony Performance
Monitor how fed colonies perform:
- Survival rates
- Honey production after dearth
- Population growth
- Disease resistance
Use this data to improve your feeding program.
Future Planning and Preparation
Annual Feeding Budget
Calculate yearly feeding costs:
- Sugar requirements per colony
- Equipment replacement
- Labor costs
- Emergency reserves
Plan budget in advance. Don’t get caught unprepared.
Equipment Preparation
Prepare feeding equipment before dearth:
- Clean and repair feeders
- Check for leaks
- Replace worn parts
- Stock spare equipment
I spend September preparing all my feeding equipment. Better to fix problems early.
Knowledge Improvement
Keep learning about bee feeding:
- Read beekeeping journals
- Attend workshops
- Network with other beekeepers
- Try new techniques carefully
The beekeeping community in Nigeria is growing. Share knowledge with others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much does it cost to feed one colony during dearth in Nigeria?
From my experience, feeding one colony costs about ₦2,000-₦3,000 per month during dearth. This includes sugar, equipment, and labor. Strong colonies need more feed than weak ones.
Q2: Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar for bee feeding?
No, never use brown sugar. It contains molasses which causes bee dysentery. I learned this lesson the hard way in 2018. Three colonies got sick from brown sugar syrup. Stick with white granulated sugar only.
Q3: What’s the best time of day to feed bees during dearth period?
Feed early morning (6-8 AM) or late evening (6-8 PM). Avoid midday feeding when it’s hottest. Hot syrup spoils faster and stressed bees are more aggressive. I prefer evening feeding to reduce robbing.
Q4: How do I know if my bees are starving during dearth?
Look for these signs: very light hive weight, few bees flying, dead bees at entrance, aggressive behavior during inspection. Starving bees cluster tightly and move slowly. Check honey stores in combs.
Q5: Can I feed palm wine to bees during dearth?
Only fresh palm wine, diluted with water. Never fermented palm wine – alcohol kills bees. I’ve seen traditional beekeepers use this method, but sugar syrup is more reliable and safer.
Q6: Should I feed strong colonies the same as weak ones?
No, adjust feeding based on colony strength. Strong colonies (8+ frames) get 1 liter every 3-4 days. Weak colonies (3-4 frames) get 500ml every 2 days. Monitor each colony individually.
Q7: What happens if I overfeed my bees during dearth?
Overfeeding causes syrup overflow, robbing between hives, and spoilage. Excess syrup attracts ants and other pests. Bees can’t consume large amounts quickly. Feed small amounts regularly instead.
Q8: When should I stop feeding bees after dearth ends?
Stop feeding when natural nectar sources return. Signs include: bees ignoring feeders, increased foraging activity, hive weight gain. Usually happens in March-April in Nigeria. Don’t stop too early though.
About the Author: Peter Ezebube is a certified beekeeper with 10 years of experience at Odeda Farm Institute, Eweje Village, Odeda LGA, Ogun State, Nigeria. He specializes in helping Nigerian beekeepers succeed through practical, tested methods.
Visit: Brivana Hive – Learn Beekeeping in Nigeria the Simple Way for more beekeeping guides and resources.
Remember: Always prioritize bee health over honey production. What to feed bees during the dearth period in Nigeria can make the difference between thriving colonies and empty hives. Start preparing now!