I put some feed (pollen patties with honey bee healthy) on my hives before things starting budding, and I have several patties left. I am wondering if they will still take it in since pollen has become readily available. I don't want to waste them if they wont be using them now.
Thanks!
Not all pollen patties are created equal. The ones I used to buy and then later made myself would dry out and the bees would stop taking them when something better became available. The ones I buy now from Global Patties seem to get consumed as long as their is brood in the colony and they are not dried out and they take a long long time to dry out.
Thanks Vance, these patties seem to stay moist very well, so I think I will see if I can get them used up. I think that may be better than trying to store them.
When the pollen flow is going good the bees will prefer the fresh pollen over the patties. At that point I return all patties to the freezer for storage. -Mike
I'd say--if you've only got a little amount of patties left--see if the bees will use them. If you have a large amount left, only try with some and stash the others in the freezer (rolled up in wax paper in ziplocks) if you're witnessing foragers bringing in decent amounts of pollen.
I leave them on because what do the bees do during that week of rain or the nights. If they are using it at all, I leave it on. Freezing it for next year is what I do with those I don't put on and yes it is important to seal if up so it does not freeze dry.
With pollen available, I would put your left over patties in the freezer for next early spring. Patties in late spring and summer are a buffet for SHB. Bees prefer the real stuff to anything we give them.
SHB and chiggers would concern me if I was in your country. I fortunately do not have either! My bees will be eating patties for a while, but we have no bloom yet.