how many pollenpatties

[slacker361]

just as a refresher, this is my first hive and  they have drawn out about 6 frames. They have just eaten two big pollen patties in the last two weeks.  Should I keep giving the pollen patties?

[VolunteerK9]

I would think that you can lay off feeding pollen patties right now.  There are plenty of pollen/nectar resources that the bees can pull from.  I think that most beeks just use them in early spring to jumpstart brood building.

[jhs494]

Perhaps on your next inspection take a look at the frames to see if they are bringing in pollen and storing it.
I like to watch the entrance and see if the girls are bringing in pollen on their legs and judge by how frequent you see bees bringing it in.
They could be getting enough and you may not need to keep adding for now. We have had so much heavy rain and yet they still manage to find pollen.
Good luck and keep us posted.

[scdw43]

SHB's love patties this time of year. They can lay their eggs in them without fighting with the bees.

[cam]

No SHB's up here. I keep a pollen patty on my new hives until they build up to 10 frames. Helps keep the brooding going IMO.

[Finski]

.
I noticed that when a swarm draw new combs it consume pollen patty and they have not a bit pollen in combs. Wax making needs protein.

But after one week  they collect pollen from nature. Extra pollen stores in the hive take space from brood area.