How much pollen?

[cao]

As I was watching my bees enter their hive with legs packed with pollen, I was wondering how much pollen does it take to raise a bee? 

[drlonzo]

An interesting thought indeed, however according to the last 5 min on google, not an idea that has been figured out. lol

I know that alot of the Beeks that trap pollen says only a day at a time during any week, but others says they can handle longer without getting pollen into hives.  So i'd say the jurry is still out on the thought.

[Moots]

...I know that alot of the Beeks that trap pollen says only a day at a time during any week, but others says they can handle longer without getting pollen into hives...

The OP has an interesting question, one I'm afraid I don't know the answer to,   :)

Not to get too sidetracked, but to the point drlonzo was making above...
I've never trapped pollen, but have just purchased and received a Sundance II, top mounted pollen trap, and am anxious to give it a try. 
I've heard a lot of theories regarding how often to trap and about giving the bees a break from the trap.  So, I was confused on what was the best approach and decided to get an opinion from the maker of the trap and emailed Lloyd directly.
According to him, once the trap is placed on for the season, it should remain on and active for the season.  The theory being that change is what stresses bees and they don't like it...Hence the problem with on again, off again trapping.  His contention is that the trap only takes 50 to 70% of the pollen that the bees are bring in.  He claims the bees will adjust according and just up the number of bees foraging for pollen to adjust accordingly.

[BeeMaster2]

Moots,
I would be careful about leaving a pollen trap on all season long. Some of the new traps are very effective at removing pollen. Especially the one that has the bees craw through a star pattern. Most of the ones I have looked at warn not to leave it on for more than a week.
The best thing to do might bee to check and make sure the have enough pollen stored in the hive.
Jim

[cao]

I guess no one knows the answer.

[sc-bee]

Llyod has answered several of my e-mails and does in a prompt way. Off course he is very capable and familiar with trapping with the Sundance. I would take his advice to the bank or should I say trap  :-D

Also have some info on processing if you dont have any.

Sorry looks like we are hi-jacking your thread. Here comes the hi-jack  :police:

[10framer]

hmmmm... don't know how to answer the original question.
moots, after they have oriented to the trap give them a second entrance so some of the field force can still bring pollen into the brood nest.