Custom Bee Feed is a pollen replacement for bees that is made in Australia specifically for Australian conditions. It is the perfect alternative to pollen in a range of situations. It is also a lot easier to prepare than sugar water. You can mix it with grass straw or wood straw for an added protein boost.
Contents
Pollen patties are a protein supplement
Pollen patties are a protein supplement that beekeepers should use in their bee colonies. They can be used to supplement the honey bee diet for all colonies, or just one type that is lacking in protein resources. The patties should be placed at a convenient location, such as on top of frames or underneath an inner cover. They should be placed as close to the bees as possible, but you can also place them further away.
A good protein supplement for bees should be easily digestible. It should contain the right blend of proteins, minerals, and lipids. The mix of ingredients should also be carefully balanced for optimal colony growth. A variety of ingredients such as sugar, honey, and soybean flour can be used as a protein supplement, but be careful with their nutritional value.
Sugar syrup is a pollen substitute
Sugar syrup is a pollen substitute made from sugar and water. Bees can’t readily locate this type of feed, so it’s necessary to place it 100 yards away from the hive. Using a specialized feeding container helps prevent this from happening. It can also help prevent the growth of mold and helps the bees combat varroa and tracheal mites.
Bees need pollen for proper nutrition. Depending on the season, climate, and the size of the colony, their diet may require different amounts of pollen. If their natural pollen supply is low, they will require extra supplements. Many commercial beekeepers supplement with pollen patties in the fall to meet the needs of their colony.
Sugar water is easier to make than sugar water
Sugar water for bees is a very easy way to provide your hives with nutrition and water. The process is simple, but you must follow several steps to make the syrup. The sugar water solution should be chilled before it is given to the bees. In addition, you should add some pollen to the sugar water before feeding the colony.
To make sugar water for bees, just add white granulated cane sugar to some water and mix. You can also add a few rocks in the jar for a stand. It is best to give your bees sugar water in the early spring and late fall. However, it is possible to feed them during the summer, if the situation demands it.
Grass straw or wood straw can be placed in the syrup
For custom bee feed, you need to use a frame feeder with a deep opening that is at least 2 litres in size. This frame feeder is positioned above the feed hole in the crown board. It should be placed on a level hive stand. Grass or wood straw can be placed in the syrup to provide a life raft for the bees. Make sure the feeder is sturdy and has no leaking joints.
The diameter of the straw is irrelevant, as most bee species have adapted to use straws of varying diameters. In nature, they use hollow reeds, berry canes, teasel stems, and other materials with varying diameters. In addition to straws, bees also use a variety of other materials, including hollow reeds, drain ports, and key holes.
Honey combs
Honey combs are an excellent source of organic honey and are a great way to create custom bee feed. The best way to collect these combs is to let the bees draw them out and then cut them using a cut comb knife or a square stainless steel comb cutter. Wear gloves and cover the work surface with plastic to avoid contamination. Once the combs are dry, they should be packaged in a styrene container and labeled.
Honey combs come in different shapes, but bees tend to favor hexagons. The hexagonal shape reduces the amount of wax that is used for this structure.
Sugar syrup
Using sugar syrup to customize your bee feed can be an easy way to supplement the honey in your beehives. Simply add the sugar water to a container that is approximately 100 feet from your beehives. Honey is the best food for bees, so make sure to leave plenty of it.
The amount of sugar syrup you use depends on how many hives you have. For spring feeding, a 1:1 ratio of white granulated sugar to water is recommended. This will yield about a gallon and a half of syrup. You can also add additives, like Honey B Healthy, as directed on the package.
Sugar bricks
Sugar bricks are a simple way to provide your bees with custom feed. They are made of sugar and just enough water to keep them together. These bricks are placed on the frames and when the bees arrive, the moisture condenses on them and liquefies the sugar. This method is very effective because the sugar bricks don’t mold because of moisture, and they can also contain vitamin and electrolytes. Lemongrass oil is also a good attraction for the bees.
A 5 pound block of sucrose laced with Honey-B-Healthy is durable and is also a good winter survival item. The bricks are thick enough to prevent them from falling through the frames. Bees love the taste of the honey-b-healthy and will eat the custom bee feed if it is laced with the ingredient.
