Honey Bee Nutrition (Pollen Patties)

Commercial Pollen Patty Being Mixed

Bee Nutrition is one of the most important and most overlooked aspects of Beekeeping. Healthy Colonies equal greater honey production larger colony numbers which aids the colony in better defending itself from diseases and pest.

Pollen Patties can be added at any time but are extremely beneficial in the early fall for over wintering build up and for colonies with little stores to help get them through winter and in the early spring to aid in colony build up before the main flow starts which is extremely important.



Pollen Patty placed directly on top of frames in Brood Chamber

Many Beekeepers feel that when a flow is on and Bees are bringing in pollen that Bee Nutrition is being met. In many cases with poor foraging due to modified crops, drought and other natural and man made factors, Bee Nutrition can be severally lacking. The truth is Pollen Patties can be fed at any time. The Bees will feed on the pollen patty as needed. Pollen Patties should be about 1/8" to 1/4" thick and be placed directly on top of the Brood Chamber. If the colony has two brood chambers two Pollen Patties can used one directly on top of each Brood Chamber as shown above.