Why is it necessary to feed pollen patties. I'm curious, don't the bees take care of that ?
casper_zip
I may be wrong but I believe it just helps with early build up. I only feed at the first of spring at thats it. Its funny, two of the hives ate the patty but the third did not touch it.
you don't have to. it can give them an early boost to raising brood. it depends on your area. if mine are flying early as they were this year, i will give pollen patties. if they are not, i will wait for the dandelion bloom. some really take them. some don't.
i also will put one on a swarm if i catch it and not much is blooming.