Mann Lake pollen patties

[NeilV]

I got ahold of five Mann Lake pollen substitute patties. Nobody I know around here has fed pollen substitute. However, we had a really rainy spring and early summer last year, and I think the lack of pollen/protein hurt me last year trying to get started. Don't want that to happen again.

I have some questions:

1. When should I start using these?

2. Do I keep them on the hives as long as they are eating them, or just one to get 'em started making brood?

3. I intend to start a few hives this year from swarms. Would it help get those hives going to put a pollen patty in there, or is there already plenty of natural pollen around swarm season.

4. Where do I keep this stuff until I use it, the freezer, frig or what?

Thanks.

[BEES4U]

Feed the patties when you want to build bees.
Fall and spring.
Once you start feeding do not stop until there is a natural pollen source and you may want to continue feeding.
You should feed a syrup for stimulation with the patties.
Package breeders may feed for 8 weeks.
Regards,
Ernie
Lucas Apiaries

[spunky]

I kept some patties all spring, summer in my freezer and used them in the fall with no problem.

I bought some bee pro in the pail this year to make my own.

I will start in late Feb here in my location.

I am feeding just to build up my weak split, but mabye my weak split is dead now and I will have to build up , my one good hive to split later.

We'll see

I am sure what ever it is, it will cost me more money