Worldwide Beekeeping

Beekeeping => Beekeeping 101 => Topic started by: Tommy on October 13, 2016, 12:43:54 am

Title: Pollen Patty
Post by: Tommy on October 13, 2016, 12:43:54 am

Evening all. I am curious on how long one should leave a pollen patty in if the bees aren't eating it? Can it stay in all winter? It would definitely freeze, but would it still be good to go in the spring? Thanks.

Title: Re: Pollen Patty
Post by: Perry on October 13, 2016, 06:33:29 am

It will probably get mouldy and pretty rank by spring. Not too sure why you would have patty on at this time of year? They use the pollen to build brood and that is winding down now.

Title: Re: Pollen Patty
Post by: Bakersdozen on October 13, 2016, 08:23:23 am

I have heard that pollen patties attract small hive beetle.  While you don't have SHB yet, why tempt them?

Title: Re: Pollen Patty
Post by: Jen on October 13, 2016, 01:10:28 pm

Agreed! too late for pollen patties. There is a recipe somewhere on this forum for 'winter patties' tho. But still I wouldn't put those on until late winter when they will stay fresh and the bees are running low on their own supplies. Drivert sugar is a good option. And Fondant works nicely as well. Perry knows more about the fondant.

Title: Re: Pollen Patty
Post by: lazy shooter on October 13, 2016, 04:33:10 pm

I placed pollen Mann Lake patties on my hives two different winters in February.  The bees never touched them.  I think they are in the bottom of my ranch freezer some three years later.  We have some days all winter long that the bees fly, and that may make the difference.  I leave plenty of honey and don't feed, period.

lazy