Pollen patties are a protein supplement for honey bees. Beekeepers lay them on top of the frames in late winter or early spring, when bees need protein to start raising brood but there is little natural pollen yet. Nutra Bee is one commercial patty brand, and its pollen-based formula is meant to be ready to use straight from the package.
What Is in a Pollen Patty?
Patties combine a protein source with sugar so bees will eat them. Some contain real pollen, some use pollen substitutes built from soy flour, yeast and other ingredients, and many blend the two. Pollen substitutes provide protein but may not match the full nutritional value of real pollen. Always check the label for the protein content and ingredients of the specific product you buy.
When to Feed Pollen Patties
- Late winter to early spring. The queen begins laying as days lengthen, and the colony needs protein to feed larvae. A patty helps bridge the gap until natural pollen is available.
- During a dearth. If there is a long stretch with no pollen coming in, patties can help keep brood going. Feeding bees during a dearth covers when that applies.
- Not when natural pollen is plentiful. Bees will ignore patties when plenty of pollen is available, and leftover patties can attract pests.
How to Feed a Patty
- Open the hive on a mild day and find where the cluster and brood are.
- Place a patty on the top bars directly above the cluster. Slice the patty into smaller pieces or cut a few slits in the wrapper, and you can keep the wax paper on to hold in moisture.
- Check back in one to two weeks. If the patty is mostly gone, add another. If it is untouched, remove it.
Watch for Small Hive Beetles
Patties are a favorite food of small hive beetles in warm climates. Use small patties that bees finish quickly rather than leaving large slabs for weeks.
Can You Overfeed?
Yes. Stimulating brood production too early in cold weather can cause the colony to rear more brood than the cluster can keep warm, and it may run through its honey stores faster. Match feeding to your local climate and the colony’s strength, and keep carbohydrate stores adequate. Compare with Ultra Bee dry feed if you prefer a dry protein supplement.
Bottom Line
Pollen patties are a handy early-spring aid for colonies that are short on protein. Feed them in small amounts, only when natural pollen is scarce, and watch the hive for beetles. For advice tuned to your area, ask a local beekeeping club or state apiarist.
