Lack of Pollen stores, lots of honey, Suggestions...

[EasternShore]

Ok Brain Trust...I need you guys to guide me on this one.

I opened up my 3 test hives yesterday...good honey stores but it looks like the girls ate all the pollen already.
We still have cold weather due, but I will have a few warm days to act as directed by you all.

Can I put Bee Pro patties on them without risk? I am a bit worried that I might trigger too much brood rearing and starve them later. We have about 2-3 weeks of non flying days left..unless mother nature throws a curve at us...

SUGGESTIONS? :?

[Irwin]

I got the same problem. They are bring in pollen but not a whole lot. So I'll be watching this one. I got some pollen patties coming.

[KONASDAD]

I started feeding dry pollen substitutte in open air feeding. If they need it, they take it. It wont over boost brood , but can be used to get them through for another few weeks until weather breaks for good. Then I'll add patties.

[Greg Peck]

KONASDAD How do you open feed your substitute? Seems like it would blow away.

[rast]

 Greg, I don't know about "dry" substitute, but an old beekeeper I know mixes his substitute pollen and hangs the bucket of it in his pole barn.

[sc-bee]

Just saw a method a guy uses @ a bee meeting.

He takes a 2lb coffee container, the plastic type with handle. Open handle type works best. If the container is not the type with an open handle hole, you have to punch a hole in the handle. Seal the hole you punch in the handle after hanging to prevent water from getting in the container. Cut a door in the container top on bottom and both sides, leave top of slot uncut. This allows the slot (door) to be opened and folded up and not disconnect from the container.  The folded back slot (door) acts as a rain flap.Place pollen/sub in container, fold slot back. Hang in tree in bee yard. He likes to paint his yellow.

Hope this makes sense.

Have some of the containers that are easier to work with, I believe they are blue Maxwell House. They are outside and I am afraid of the dark :shock: :-D! Will check later ;).

[EasternShore]

Thanks folks...pollen applied and they were ALL over it...
I had set some chicken feed out..all that was left was the large kernals of corn. Too funny!
My girls are plentiful and flying like crazy...I'm so proud of them!