When to Feed Fondant to Bees UK – Winter and Spring Guide
Last updated: 1 May 2026
Fondant is a useful emergency food for bees when the weather is too cold for syrup or when a colony is at risk of starvation. In the UK, it is most often used in winter, late winter and early spring.
The key point is simple: fondant is for need, not habit. Always check stores, hive weight and weather before deciding whether to feed.
Quick Answer
Feed fondant when bees are short of food and conditions are too cold for syrup. It is most useful in winter, late winter and early spring. Place it directly above the cluster so the bees can reach it without moving across cold comb.
When Fondant Helps
Fondant helps when a colony needs immediate access to food but cannot safely take down or process liquid feed.
- When the hive feels light in winter or early spring.
- When bees are close to starvation.
- When cold weather prevents syrup feeding.
- When the cluster is near the top of the hive and stores are low.
Winter Feeding
In winter, bees are clustered and may not move far to find food. If stores are low, fondant should be placed above the cluster where it is accessible.
Avoid opening the hive for a full inspection. Lift the roof briefly, add fondant if needed, then close the hive again to keep disturbance to a minimum.
Late-Winter Risk
Late winter and early spring can be the highest starvation risk period. Colonies may start raising brood before reliable forage is available, which increases food demand.
A colony can survive much of winter and still starve in February, March or early April if stores run out before spring forage becomes dependable.
Spring Emergencies
Fondant can still be useful in spring if weather remains cold and the colony is short of food. Once temperatures improve and bees can process liquid feed, syrup may become more appropriate for supporting spring build-up.
Do not feed automatically. If the colony has good stores and needs brood space, unnecessary feeding can create congestion.
Where To Place Fondant
Place fondant as close to the bees as possible, usually directly above the brood box, over the feed hole or under an eke.
- Place it above the cluster, not far away from the bees.
- Keep it covered so it does not dry out too quickly.
- Use an eke if extra space is needed under the roof.
- Check periodically that bees can still access it.
Fondant Or Syrup
Fondant is usually better in cold weather because it does not need to be processed in the same way as syrup. Syrup is generally more useful when temperatures are warm enough and bees are actively taking feed down.
As a simple rule, use fondant for cold-weather emergency feeding and syrup for warmer-season feeding where the colony can process it safely.
Common Mistakes
- Feeding fondant automatically without checking stores.
- Placing fondant too far from the cluster.
- Using syrup during cold weather when bees cannot process it properly.
- Opening the hive for too long in winter.
- Assuming a colony is safe just because it survived most of winter.
- Overfeeding in spring and reducing brood space.
FAQs
When should I feed fondant to bees?
Feed fondant when the colony is short of food and conditions are too cold for syrup, especially in winter, late winter and early spring.
Can I feed fondant in spring?
Yes, if the colony needs emergency food and the weather is still too cold for syrup. Once conditions warm up, syrup may be more suitable if feeding is still needed.
Where should fondant go in the hive?
Place it directly above the cluster, usually over the feed hole or under an eke, so the bees can reach it easily.
Can fondant replace proper autumn feeding?
No. Autumn feeding should aim to build adequate winter stores. Fondant is mainly a backup or emergency feed when stores are running low.