Gamebird Feed for Pollen Sub.

[djuniorfan8]

An Older Keeper has been using Gamebird feed for a pollen substitute. He says it meets the protein and fat requirments (22%,4%.)as well as the vitamin and minerals needed for brood rearing. I believe the brand is "Blue Seal". Anyone hear of this?
- Tim

[Michael Bush]

I've never used it on purpose but since I can't seem to find unmedicated chick feed here anymore, I often buy it for chicks and the bees get into it. The bees seem to like it.

[ February 02, 2007, 06:28 PM: Message edited by: Michael Bush ]

[chinitoe]

is this like a "chick booster" (the first food for newly hatched chicks? its made from rice bran, corn bran , soybean meal? and other stuff.

would this be ok? mixed with sugar? and water?

i cant seem to find soybean powder here and even the yeast specified

[djuniorfan8]

Yes, it was the starter. He mixed with sugar syrup into 1/2 pound patties. They seemed to take them well. I don't know if the price per bag would be cheaper then BEEPRO etc. I guess if you have it on hand it would work. I think i'll feed a patty to my bees and see how they take to it over the commercial stuff.
- Tim

[sc-bee]

Anyone feed anything of this nature (something you don't have to buy from bee supply) dry? I am concerned with shb where I am feeding a Pattie?

[chinitoe]

i tried it yesterday. chick booster with some syrup mixed. i just gave them a spoonfull yesterday. and now after 16hrs. its reduced in half. i dont think they threw it away coz i coundt find any on the landing board or in the floor. but i wouldnt feed too much of this as this contains salt and calcium which isnt good for the bees... i think.

i just supplementing my pollen gathered which i think isnt enough.

[jdagpatton]

I would be carefull. Some poultry feed is medicated. Not sure of its effects on bees or honey.

[MichelleB]

Chick starter comes either medicated or not, and it's labeled on the bag. In any case, feed stores usually stock both and you can order one or the other.