When bees are having difficulty finding food during wintertime, beekeepers may need to feed them sugar water or protein patties for extra energy and nourishment.
Mann Lake provides a selection of these delectable foods, commonly referred to as “winter patties.”
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Pollen Patties
Pollen patties are an excellent source of protein for honey bees. They contain essential proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and other nutrients essential to their wellbeing.
These patties are an excellent way to provide your bees with energy during the winter months when they cannot access nectar sources. You can purchase them prepared or make your own at home.
Your bees should be placed atop frames in the brood chamber to consume during winter. Alternatively, they can also be housed in a Langstroth hive.
Pollen patties not only provide a source of protein for brood production, but they also strengthen the colony. However, it is essential to only feed these patties when absolutely necessary.
Ideally, a patties should be placed atop the frames in the brood chamber near the center of the hive to give bees somewhere to cluster and provide warmth when temperatures drop.
Honey Patties
Honey Patties are an indulgent snack made with pure raw Wisconsin honey and peppermint extract, then coated in 99% dark chocolate liquor. Perfect for snacking, gift giving or simply enjoying on your own – the Honey Patties make the perfect snack or gift!
Gluten free, dairy free, nut free, soy free and salt-free; they have an irresistible flavor combination that’s good for anyone!
This 18 count bag of Honey Acres Mint-Dark Chocolate Honey Patties offers a classic flavor that you’re sure to appreciate. Crafted with pure raw Wisconsin honey and natural peppermint extract and enrobed in dark chocolate, each bite offers just the right balance of sweetness and bitterness – creating an irresistible treat for your taste buds!
Mann Lake’s Bee Pro Patties are an ideal option for hives that need additional feeding. They come in a 40-pound box, with each patty weighing around one pound – so they’re ready to feed right away without any mixing or mess!
AP23 Patties
AP23 Patties are a high carbohydrate food for bees during the winter months. They contain sugar, AP23, and Honey-B-Healthy for optimal nutrition.
These patties are suitable for beekeepers of all levels of expertise, containing a pollen substitute that closely replicates natural pollen. Made with probiotics, this substitute is easily digestible by bees due to its close resemblance to natural pollen.
They also contain Honey-B-Healthy, a feeding stimulant that strengthens the immunity of honey bees.
When using these patties, place some on top of your hives’ frames near the center of the brood chamber. This position allows bees to gather for warmth during wintertime.
If your colony is strong enough, you can begin feeding them these patties in late fall or early winter before temperatures become too cold for them to gather nectar and pollen. Regardless of whether you use patties or not, be sure to monitor how much food your bees are eating and replace them as needed.
Ultra Bee Patties
Ultra Bee Patties, a ready-to-feed pollen substitute, offer bees a balanced diet. They contain essential lipids, minerals, carbohydrates and B complex vitamins for successful brood production.
The patty is a mixture of pollen substitute, sugar syrup and water that has been formed into an oval pancake shape – ready for bees to consume. This food source can be placed directly inside the hive and consumed quickly by the bees.
Bees require energy during winter to survive and feed their brood. Feeding a patty will give them enough protein and carbohydrates to start rearing their offspring early in spring.
To evaluate the effects of these supplements on colony strength, we conducted a trial that lasted 188 days (Aug 8th 2013 – Feb 12th 2014). Results showed that natural pollen patties produced the best results; despite having lower protein content, they outperformed all but one subfeeding tested.
