Didn't you all in RI have a drought recently? I imagine you had a dearth of pollen along with a dearth of nectar. I would offer them a quarter of a patty and see how they respond. If they eat it, give them some more.
In a "normal" year the best time to feed pollen is late winter but with a drought the pollen production by the flowers in the fall is minimal and the bees need some protein.
A nice article on feeding pollen"
https://www.honeybeesuite.com/when-..., in some areas, fall,It depends on your area.
In a "normal" year the best time to feed pollen is late winter but with a drought the pollen production by the flowers in the fall is minimal and the bees need some protein.
A nice article on feeding pollen"
https://www.honeybeesuite.com/when-..., in some areas, fall,It depends on your area.