Why feed?

- To get new hive to expand and build comb.

- To give them stores to get through winter.

- To give them pollen or substitute to help raise brood.

Use robbing screen when feeding a weak hive or during nectar dearth.

Pollen Patties (Large Batch)

50 Lbs of brewers yeast50 Lbs of Sugar2 Cups of Honey-B-Healthy - OR - 2 oz each of Lemongrass oil and Spearmint.1 Lb of citric acid.96 oz of canola oil and water as you go.

Mix it all together and add the water slowly, hot or near boiling works best. Bring to a paste and make sure it is mixed well. The thicker the patty, the better.

Note: do not add essential oils if you are raising queens (interferes with pheromones).

Bees will probably bring in enough pollen.

Pollen patties harbor Small Hive Beetles.

Winter

Feeding pollen patties for early spring buildup.

– get earlier start (maybe)

- may cause to swarm earlier

- more hungry bees

- SHBs like patties

- experience best indicator of need