Limited experience here (2nd year) but others with more do things the same way
1) I use them when the need for protein isn't likely to be met by foraging. For an established colony that means starting in early Fall, to help build a strong population for overwintering, and early Spring to help build brood. Hive beetles can be a problem in the summer, but I would use them in small amounts if a hive seems to need a boost.
2) I just put them on top of the top bars.
3) It is a supplement, but increasingly folk use them as part of their routine management plan, to try to ensure a lot of 'fat' bees are in the hive going into winter.
4) I make my own from dry powder, cut it into small chunks like fudge, and store them in the fridge. They seem to keep well, but become less attractive to bees after a few months.
1) I use them when the need for protein isn't likely to be met by foraging. For an established colony that means starting in early Fall, to help build a strong population for overwintering, and early Spring to help build brood. Hive beetles can be a problem in the summer, but I would use them in small amounts if a hive seems to need a boost.
2) I just put them on top of the top bars.
3) It is a supplement, but increasingly folk use them as part of their routine management plan, to try to ensure a lot of 'fat' bees are in the hive going into winter.
4) I make my own from dry powder, cut it into small chunks like fudge, and store them in the fridge. They seem to keep well, but become less attractive to bees after a few months.