Ultra Bee is a high-protein dry feed that beekeepers use as a pollen substitute when natural pollen is short. It is sold by Mann Lake as a dry powder and as patties. Use it in late winter or spring to stimulate brood rearing, or when a weak colony or new package has little stored pollen. Most colonies in good foraging areas do not need it.
What It Does
Bees need protein from pollen to raise brood. A pollen substitute supplies protein, amino acids, vitamins and minerals so nurse bees can keep feeding larvae when flowers are scarce. The label lists the exact protein level and ingredients, so check the bag you buy. Mann Lake markets Ultra Bee as a product made without animal by-products, according to the maker.
When Feeding Makes Sense
- Early spring: to build up colonies before the first natural pollen flow.
- Dearth periods: in summer or fall when forage is poor.
- New packages and swarms: that arrive without stores.
- After honey harvest: to help raise strong winter bees.
If bees are already bringing in pollen, skip it. Bees will ignore a substitute when real pollen is available.
How to Feed It
Dry feed
Offer the powder in a shallow feeder or a box with a bottom, placed a short distance from the hive entrance so foragers find it. Keep it dry and out of wind and rain, because wet powder spoils and can attract robbing bees.
Patties
Place a patty directly on the top bars over the cluster so bees can reach it without leaving the warmth. Check it every week or two and replace it when it is mostly eaten.
Precautions
- Feed outdoors only in an area where bees from other colonies will not rob it.
- Watch for small hive beetles. Patties left sitting in a hive can attract them, so use small patties that bees will finish quickly.
- Pollen substitutes do not replace real pollen. If possible, plant a mix of flowers near your apiary.
- Always give bees clean water nearby.
Dry Powder or Patties?
Patties are easier for cold weather and small apiaries, while dry powder is handy for outdoor feeding stations. Our guide to dry bee feed compares both, and you can also read about Nutra Bee pollen patties.
Bottom Line
Ultra Bee dry feed is a handy pollen substitute for colonies that lack pollen. Use it on a schedule that matches your region, keep it dry, and stop when natural pollen arrives. Ask a local beekeeping association or your state apiarist for timing in your area.
