Feeding Pollen

[bee-nuts]

My Latitude is 45 and Im wondering when I should feed pollen for build up.  I know I dont need to if they have pollen but I had a hard time feeding last fall because is got cold to soon.  I am going to make up another batch of sugar candy for the girls and Im wondering if I should just through in patties while Im at it.

I dont have real pollen.  Whats the best imitation I can make from something I can buy locally?  Or is this a bad Idea?

Thanks for info

bee-nuts

[Michael Bush]

Once there is anything blooming they will be bringing in real pollen.  that starts when the red maples bloom.  Around Nebraska that's usually in March, but sometimes as early as late February and sometimes as late as early April.  Stimulating them ahead of the natural pollen flow usually doesn't pay where I am unless my goal is to do a lot of splits in May instead of having the goal of making a lot of honey.

Real pollen is best.  If I can't do that I mix real pollen half and half with full fat soy flour or dry pollen substitute (from one of the bee suppliers).  I feed it dry in an empty hive on a screen over a screened bottom board over a solid bottom board.

[Two Bees]

Red maples are starting to bloom in central NC now and the girls are bringing in some pollen.  Last week when the high temps were 30-31, I saw a few bees flying!

[Michael Bush]

If there is real pollen there is no point feeding pollen substitute as they will prefer the real thing.  No point feeding pollen as they have it...