Pollen patties can provide extra protein during periods of reduced pollen production, helping the colony produce brood more quickly while encouraging honey production throughout springtime.
It is crucial that protein supplements contain low levels of HMF (hydroxymethylfurfural), as this compound can be harmful to bees.
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Protein Supplement
Beekeepers can supplement their colonies during times of pollen shortage with protein patties containing sugar syrup and brewer’s yeast; these treats often include pollen substitute or honey as ingredients.
Protein patties are designed for feeding during fall and winter seasons to support bee survival by stimulating protein synthesis. You can purchase premade patties or make them yourself using a recipe.
Beekeepers should only turn to protein supplements when absolutely necessary and never as a replacement for natural pollen. As an example, it’s wise to provide protein supplements near the end of winter in order to stimulate brood production, and ensure they have enough protein reserves during this crucial period.
Stimulates Brood Rearing
Pollen patties with their high protein content can aid colony rearing. This is particularly crucial during winter and early spring when natural pollen sources may be limited.
Pollen patties can help beekeepers protect their hives against small hive beetle infestation, which loves pollen-laden patties more than bees themselves! Pollen patties attract these pests who love the taste, much more so than bees themselves!
Supplementary feeding of pollen patties may not be required in every colony, but can be an invaluable management tool for some colonies in late winter and early spring as colonies attempt to build their populations before nectar flow begins – this period can make it hard for them to increase brood production if not fed well enough.
Stimulates Drone Brood Rearing
Honey bee colonies that begin raising drone brood must consume additional protein than usual to meet their winter food stores and raise hive temperatures accordingly – brood require more heat than adult bees do.
Pollen patties offer an easy and efficient way to feed brood-rearing queens while simultaneously relieving stress within hives, increasing chances of successful queen rearing and improving performance in terms of hive performance.
This ready-for-use patty contains 18% protein and helps bees raise brood. You can mix it with Pro Health, an aid to digestion that speeds up consumption rates, or Honeybee Healthy, an essential oil preparation designed to enhance immune responses in bees. Furthermore, its wax paper wrapper should remain intact to keep it moist and protected.
Stimulates Colony Growth
Pollen patties can help accelerate colony growth in early spring, just before the main nectar flow, but there’s always the risk that too much reliance on artificial pollen might leave its colony starved without enough time foraging for other sources of sustenance.
Studies conducted by investigators revealed that feeding patties boosted brood production, yet this effect dissipated when natural pollen flow resumed (Goodwin et al. 1994; Mattila and Otis 2006a).
To prevent this issue, only use quality patties with no acids or sugar syrups that contain high concentrations of HMF (hydroxymethylfurfural), a toxic compound which can damage bee health. Also only distribute small numbers per hive; keep an eye on their consumption!
Stimulates Bee Health
There is much debate regarding the role of protein supplements in hive health. Supplementary feeding should generally only be done when honey stores become low. Furthermore, patties must contain appropriate mixture of proteins for encouraging colony consumption without jeopardizing its health.
One way to comply with this rule is by only using high-quality products such as Mann Lake’s pollen patties or winter patties, which come pre-formulated and can simply be added directly onto the top bars above your cluster. Be mindful not to overfeed as this could cause overcrowding and Varroa mite infestation; seasonal guidelines may be issued as additional feeding is recommended.
