Bees and Urine

[GA-BEE]

I have noticed lately that bees are attracted to my rabbit hutch and are on the bedding where the rabbits urine is absorbed. They also gather on places where my goats urinate. Any idea what they are getting and what do they use it for? Very curious.

[Bee Bliss]

I heard it said that butterflies will collect on areas where urine from animals is. I believe they are collecting minerals, etc. if I remember correctly. Probably the same for bees. I know our bees like wet potting soil/compost.

[Sid from Texas]

I have not seen this phenomenon, we have rabbits and goats among other species. The previous writer may be correct. Here is an old thread

http://www.beesource.com/forums/arch.../t-197399.html

[tedlemay]

i have always assumed they were collecting minerials.

[gone2seed]

Salt

[tenponta]

My bees are also attracted to my dog's pee.

[Sid from Texas]

I wondered about "SALT". I have blocks of salt out for the animals. The bees do not go to my goat's or rabbit's urine, but I do not see them on the salt blocks either. I also assumed the poster had salt blocks out for his livestock.

[Michael Palmer]

We had an out-house for a couple years before we had indoor plumbing...walking water. You don't pee on an out-house...bees are attracted to the human variety, too.

[jtow]

Bees are also attracted to the salt in blood. Always wondered if they would feed on salt and mineral blocks left out for cattle and deer?

[kjbann]

Bees are also attracted to the salt in blood. Always wondered if they would feed on salt and mineral blocks left out for cattle and deer?

I've noticed many times when I feed our steers shortly after daylight, that there are bees on the manure behind the barn. Don't know that there is any connection. Sometimes when I get a compliment on our honey, I say it's probably the cow manure. (Only when I know the customer well ).
Ken

[Sid from Texas]

We have not seen them go after the salt blocks, I will look.

[mrnewberry]

In one of the Foxfire books it talks about beelining and one of the baits that it mentions is corn cobs soaked in urine...