differences in pollen collection

[dbduke]

I was setting up a funnel today to collect a hive from a house (My first solo attempt as one of my Mentors says I can handle it). This house had a swarm move in about a week ago. It is a good one from what I hear. I noticed that they were carrying in large amounts of pollen as opposed to my 2 month old bee hives.

I had been thinking there was not much pollen to be had(judging by my hives), but now I am thinking the older hives perhaps just do not need to collect as much. So i gather that watching traffic will not necessarily tell me if pollen is available. I realize their is some understanding that will come with experience.

So what are some tricks of the trade in making this determination?


Thanks
Dave
Virginia

[Dan Williamson]

Dave,

Your colonies probably have a good amount of brood in various stages and the bees may have a decent amount of pollen stored. Your hive will need more bees covering the brood than the swarm colony.

The swarm colony won't have alot of comb built comparatively which limits the amount of eggs the queen can lay. This frees up bees that would be feeding and tending brood to be able to forage. They will be building up pollen stores in preparation as the hive expands its home.

[dbduke]

Thank you, that was an idea I thought might be. I am still confused about determining if pollen is available as forage. Some keepers have said you can tell by feeding pollen. When they quit taking you know.

So my plans for keeping are to collect my own pollen and feed real pollen. I hope to collect next year. I am thinking I do not want to feed my pollen when it is readily available as it will probably be a valuable resource for my bees in time of need.

So how do others keep track without feeding when not needed?

Those who feed Their own pollen. Must you conserve wisely?
Thanks
Dave

[Dan Williamson]

Thank you, that was an idea I thought might be. I am still confused about determining if pollen is available as forage. Some keepers have said you can tell by feeding pollen. When they quit taking you know.

So my plans for keeping are to collect my own pollen and feed real pollen. I hope to collect next year. I am thinking I do not want to feed my pollen when it is readily available as it will probably be a valuable resource for my bees in time of need.

So how do others keep track without feeding when not needed?

Those who feed Their own pollen. Must you conserve wisely?
Thanks
Dave

Dave,

I think you are worrying too much about pollen. When there is pollen to be gathered the bees will bring it in. Exception could be like the explanation above although they will be bringing some in... just not maybe as much as a new swarm which is on a mission to build up the colony.

I collect my own pollen. In the past 2 weeks I have filled nearly 5 one-gal ziplock bags from 3 Sundance I traps. I feed in early spring and when I notice them bringing in sufficient pollen I stop feeding it. Early in the pollen flow in spring they will still feed on the patties at night and during cooler and rainy weather. The only conserving I do is to not put on more than I think they will take. Pollen is a valuable resource. In my area I start approx Mar 1 and feed in appox 1lb patties at a time. You shouldn't need to worry about pollen sources right now I would guess. There is usually enough available this time of year.

[timgoodin]

I've notice my month old packages gathering pollen early in the morning just after dawn, since our temps have increased into the 80's. I don't see much if anything coming in the afternoon. I guess they are like me, get it done early then rest in the hot sultry afternoon.

Tim

[dbduke]

Thanks- I wouldn't say I am worried just curious as what to expect. As a newbie my questions arise as I notice things. I like to ponder things that might be just for purposes of my own interest but yet related to bees.