I was wondering if it is still a good idea to be feed pollen cakes to the hives this time of year since fall is setting in. My bees are bringing in pollen like crazy and have been eating 1 pollen cake about every 2-3 weeks. I have 2 deeps on them for the winter. The bottom chamber is a little over half full of packed pollen. The upper chamber is half honey and half brood. I wondering if feeding them pollen this time of year would keep the Queen(Italian) laying more eggs than she should instead slowing brood rearing for the winter. I also don't want them to pack the entire hive with pollen. I've basically kept a pollen pattie on top of the frames all year. They have went through about 6 of them this season. Any thoughts would be appreciated!
Thanks!
Darren
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As you say,bees have pollen enough. Patties give no help
virginia is quite in south and autumn is far away now.
Reduce ventilation and keep the hive warm.
Many beeks feed pollen or pollen substitute during Fall. I usually wait until after first hard frost as there is usually lots available until then, at least around here. Sometimes they take it sometimes not. Although Goldenrod has been blooming here for several weeks already my bees have just started hitting it.
thomas