Supplemental Feeding Calculator

This calculator estimates how much 2:1 sugar syrup, 1:1 syrup-equivalent sugar, and pollen substitute a group of hives needs over a feeding period, using per-hive weekly consumption rates that scale with Colony Strength. A colony rated 5 (Strong, 15+ frames) is modeled consuming roughly four times as much syrup per week as one rated 1 (Very Weak, 3-4 frames) -- reflecting that a larger cluster of bees simply has more mouths to feed and more comb to draw or provision -- which is why Colony Strength swings the weekly rate more than any other single input near typical default settings. Total syrup needed then scales linearly with both Feeding Duration and the number of hives, so doubling either one roughly doubles the total syrup and pollen substitute required.

Sugar-to-syrup conversion follows a common beekeeping rule of thumb: roughly 10 lbs of sugar dissolved in water yields about a gallon of 2:1 (heavy) syrup used for fall feeding and winter stores, versus roughly 8 lbs per gallon for thinner 1:1 syrup used to stimulate spring brood rearing -- these are commonly cited rough ratios from hobbyist beekeeping guidance rather than an exact scientific formula, since actual dissolved-sugar concentration varies with mixing technique and water temperature. Feeding recommendations (Emergency, Supplemental, or Light stimulative) are keyed to Colony Strength on the theory that weaker colonies need denser, more urgent feeding to build stores before winter or recover after a dearth, while strong colonies mainly need feeding as a nectar-flow backstop. Actual feeding needs vary by climate, forage availability, and the specific reason you're feeding, so treat these figures as a starting point for planning purchases rather than a substitute for regular hive inspection.