Honey Bees protein needs during a drought - questions ?

[spunky]

First time I have ever tried to carry hives through a drought. We had a decent spring flo of nectar and avg pollen. I have been feeding1:1 for a month now. I see the bees carrying in some light brown pollen, but I am thinking it is not anything worth while, most everything is dead /dying here. I left 45lbs of honey on each hive before I started feeding

Should I try and give some pollen patties now or just wait till fall . I never have had any luck feeding dry pollen substitute ?


regards
Brad

[adam@azapiaries]

Look in the brood nest. If you see stored pollen of different colors you should be all right. If not then you should feed a suppliment. The reason is that in July, the bees are raising the bees that will raise the winter bees in your hive. They need protein to do this. July and August are the months where many hives start down the path to early winter collaps. I suggest using a premade patty such as MegaBee, just put it between or on top of the brood nest and watch them go. Visit Randy Olivers web site www.scientificbeekeeping.com for posts on nutrition in bee colonies. Well worth a read.

[Daniel Y]

I have been putting Mega Bee patties in my hive off and on as they have been building up. They take it if I place it on top of the brood frames. I ran out this last week and have made patties from bee pro for the first time. I placed this above the inner cover and so far they are pretty much ignoring it. I might have to move it to the top of the brood frames as well. Btu once I find where the bees want it they will eat it.

[spunky]

Thanks for the replies

I have Mann Lake sub on hand. I will try some patties