Pollen Sub ~ Ways Too Use It?

[Jen]

We as in many of us beeks in our area are not getting hardly any pollen in right now. I have new nucs and no pollen to offer. So, my friend shared her pollen substitute, a fine powder. Directions said to place the pol sub 30 feet from the hives, and pay attention to the wind because it will blow away. Or, I can make pollen patties.

Any other ideas?

[CBT]

You can put it in an empty nuc or an old paper box you used to get the newspaper in. I hear it will attract Small hive Beatle.

[Jen]

Hi CBT, I've got it in two bird baths, the evening winds here will prob blow it away tho. I like the idea of a contained box tho... I'll look around our garage

[riverbee]

pollen subs will work, unless you have shb........then use the powder, place it in something covered to protect from wind, rain, etc.  there is a pvc type thing some beeks use to place in. i think you could probably find on you tube, simple to make.

[Jen]

Thanks Riv! No pollen coming in, bees are plugging up the frames with nectar. My new hatched queens aren't laying, I'm thinking there is no pollen for baby's. Hope this pollen sub works.

[riverbee]

jen, the powder stuff is a great alternative. if the bees are plugging the queens laying space move the frames around to give the queen space, newly hatched queens........give them time, when they start laying, just make sure the bees aren't plugging up the laying space.  are you feeding syrup? 
bees tend to plug frames with syrup sometimes.

bees need the nutrition from pollen! even if we are using a substitute!  you will know if you don't see bees hauling it away.

[Jen]

Nope, haven't been feeding for about a month, lots of nectar coming in.