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Some of my hives are extra enthusiastic about bringing in pollen. I discovered that the entire bottom box - all 10 frames - are full of pollen in one hive. I know they've got some more modest amounts of pollen above and will be packing in even more when the fall flowers begin. This just seems like overkill. I'm uncertain whether I should just remove that box altogether. Seeking input.
I don't do a pollen trap but probably should start on some of my hives. Once turned into bee bread, I can't figure out what to do with the stuff. I put it in my freezer and then the next season there's yet another load coming in, so I don't need to give it back to the bees. And I've tried eating it in the comb. That tastes good but I can only take so much of it before it starts being unappealing.
Thanks for ideas/suggestions. My hunch which may be completely wrong is that those hives which bring in tons of pollen are in need of more comb to draw. Maybe I'm not providing them with enough foundation and they're transitioning quickly into field bees specializing in pollen collection. I understand that becoming a nectar collector is the last job the bee takes on, and they do that pretty much till they die. I'd welcome anyone providing a challenge to this suspicion which I can't corroborate.
I don't do a pollen trap but probably should start on some of my hives. Once turned into bee bread, I can't figure out what to do with the stuff. I put it in my freezer and then the next season there's yet another load coming in, so I don't need to give it back to the bees. And I've tried eating it in the comb. That tastes good but I can only take so much of it before it starts being unappealing.
Thanks for ideas/suggestions. My hunch which may be completely wrong is that those hives which bring in tons of pollen are in need of more comb to draw. Maybe I'm not providing them with enough foundation and they're transitioning quickly into field bees specializing in pollen collection. I understand that becoming a nectar collector is the last job the bee takes on, and they do that pretty much till they die. I'd welcome anyone providing a challenge to this suspicion which I can't corroborate.