Commercial beekeepers utilize pollen patties to increase hive populations before the spring nectar flow begins. Hobbyist beekeepers may also utilize them when pollen supplies become limited or hard to access.
Protein patties that mimic natural pollen can help stimulate brood production and ensure abundant honey harvests. They should be given during spring to enhance brood development and boost honey yields.
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Bee-Pro Patties
These ready-to-use patties are created from a combination of soybean flour, brewer’s yeast and sugar. Furthermore, these treats contain Pro Health as a feeding stimulant and digestive health aid.
Bee-Pro Patties were shown to significantly increase brood production among bee colonies in a controlled study, leading to increased population and stronger hives. Furthermore, colonies that received patties experienced better sealed brood areas during inspections.
Protein supplements are an excellent way to strengthen colonies before spring arrives, yet too much use of this protein source could lead to toxic build-up and can even harm their bees. Furthermore, this kind of protein source should only be consumed seasonally.
Ultra Bee Patties
Patties offer an alternative to dry pollen feeders that must be regularly replenished and often attract beetles: they can easily be dropped into the hive without drawing attention or inviting beetles into your colony, helping your colony produce brood at an appropriate time during winter or early spring.
Natural pollen in patty form increases bee consumption rate and may help support brood building up as well. Irradiated USA-sourced pollen provides essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals for your honey bees.
Mann Lake provides both dry feed formulation and pre-made patties that are ready-to-use right out of their package, both available in 1 lb, 10 lb and 40 lb packs and customized during production for larger-scale beekeepers’ needs. Both options use only high quality ingredients from USA suppliers with no animal by-products used during their creation process.
Natural Bee Patties
Protein patties are an ideal way to ensure that bees receive all of the essential proteins, minerals, lipids and B-complex vitamins required for successful brood production. They are particularly helpful in regions with limited natural pollen sources or where weather makes foraging impossible.
Products contain 15% real natural US pollen and 15.5% total protein. They also include HiveAlive which has been shown in trials to significantly enhance bee gut health, brood production, and overwintering strength.
Simply place one or more patties atop the frames inside your hive, bees will access them through perforated wax paper. Any extra can be stored in the freezer for later use. These products are an ideal way to build colony strength during spring-boosting efforts or any time natural pollen levels drop; their higher protein content encourages your bees to produce brood quickly.
Bee-Free Patties
Pollen substitute patties provide complete protein sources for bee hives, providing proteins, lipids, minerals, carbohydrates and B complex vitamins that bees require. They can be used any time of year if natural pollen supply becomes depleted; or to strengthen colonies during late winter and early spring pollinating activity.
Idealistically, bees would have sufficient stores of stored pollen to see them through winter and early spring; however, this may not always be the case across all regions. A pollen substitute patty can not only help increase brood production, but also strengthen their colony against pest invasions and allow bees to better defend against any possible invasions from competitors or predators.
Patties may be placed directly in the hive and easily accessible to nurse bees. Depending on where you reside, this method should be done with caution as it attracts Small Hive Beetles.
