Feeding pollen and protein substitutes to bees is a common practice among beekeepers, especially when natural pollen sources are scarce. Beekeepers use both natural and artificial pollen as substitutes, with artificial pollen offering benefits like time and energy savings. However, it also has drawbacks such as the risk of disease spread.
However, understanding when and how to provide these supplements is crucial for the health and productivity of your hive. In this post, we’ll discuss the importance of protein for bees, the different ways to feed it, and some practical tips for beekeepers.
Most beekeepers don't realize that when they buy pollen patties or something similar for their bees, there actually isn't any pollen in it.
Feeding pollen substitutes to honey bees can support brood rearing during pollen shortages, but natural pollen is always the best option for hive health.
Pollen substitutes, while useful during dearths, are less effective than natural pollen. Evaluate hive needs and avoid overfeeding to prevent attracting pests.
Properly feeding pollen substitutes can boost colony health, but understanding when to use them is essential, especially in regions with abundant natural pollen.
Why Honey Bees Need Protein
Protein is essential for bees, particularly for brood rearing and overall colony health.
While carbohydrates from nectar and honey provide energy for daily activities like flying and building wax, protein is necessary for brood production and the production of royal jelly, which nurse bees feed to larvae and the queen.
Adequate protein helps in raising quality queens and ensuring the production of healthy bees.
Natural Pollen vs. Pollen Substitutes
Natural pollen is the best source of protein for bees. It contains a balanced mix of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals that are crucial for bee health. However, there are times when natural pollen is not available, such as during early spring or late fall.
This is where pollen substitutes come into play. Pollen substitutes are particularly useful during a pollen dearth when natural pollen is scarce.
Most commercially available pollen substitutes are made from a variety of plant proteins and other ingredients. While they provide essential nutrients, they typically contain little to no actual pollen.
The most effective pollen substitutes on the market contain about 15-20% pollen, but most contain zero.
Feeding Pollen Substitutes: Powder vs. Patty
Beekeepers generally feed pollen substitutes to their bees in two forms: powder and patty. Just like in all beekeeping, you will find beekeepers who prefer one option over the other.
Pollen Patty
Composition : Pollen patties are a mixture of pollen substitute and sugar, creating a dough-like consistency.
Placement : Patties are placed inside the hive, directly in the brood nest area.
Consumption : Bees consume the patties directly, which is helpful in ensuring that they get the needed protein, especially during times when natural pollen is not available.
Pros : Convenient and ensures bees get protein directly. Pollen patties can also stimulate brood production, especially during times when natural pollen is not available. But more on this later.
Cons : Can attract pests like small hive beetles if not managed properly.
Pollen Powder
Composition : Pollen powder is a dry form of protein supplement made up of pollen grains.
Placement : It can be fed outside the hive in a feeder , or mixed into a patty.
Consumption : Bees collect the powder and bring it back to the hive, mimicking natural foraging behavior.
Pros : Allows bees to forage naturally.
Cons : Bees might not find the feeder, and it can be wasted if not properly managed. Especially if it gets wet.
Regional Considerations: The Alabama Example
In regions like Alabama and much of the tree rich parts of the US, where natural pollen sources are abundant for most of the year, feeding pollen substitutes might seem unnecessary. Pollen traps can confirm the availability of natural pollen, showing that bees can forage enough protein without supplements.
However, monitoring honey stores is crucial during winter to ensure colonies have enough food to survive. We have run pollen traps all year and collected pollen non stop from bees. For us, there is never an absolute dearth in the pollen available. So feeding pollen substitute for us is a waste of money and time.
Here are exceptions:
Starting New Colonies : When installing a new package or nucleus colony, bees might need additional protein to boost early brood rearing.
Early Spring : During early spring, when natural pollen is just starting to become available, providing a supplement can help colonies build up faster.
Research Insights
Recent research by experts like Randy Oliver and studies from institutions like the University of Florida have shown that the benefits of feeding pollen substitutes might be less significant than previously thought.
However, supplemental feeding of pollen can enhance honey production during the spring. In many cases, colonies fed with pollen substitutes do not show marked improvement over those relying on natural forage.
This suggests that while pollen substitutes can be useful, they should not replace natural foraging whenever possible.
Performance Comparison : Oliver's experiments showed that while pollen substitutes can support colony health, they generally do not perform as well as natural pollen.
In one study, colonies fed with natural pollen showed better overall health and brood production compared to those fed with pollen substitutes ( Scientific Beekeeping ) ( Scientific Beekeeping ).Nutritional Considerations : One crucial aspect of pollen substitutes is their nutritional composition. Oliver's research highlights that many commercial pollen substitutes may lack essential nutrients found in natural pollen, such as certain sterols and trace elements like zinc.
For instance, the inclusion of 24-methylenecholesterol (24mCh), a sterol necessary for bee health, was found to be more abundant in natural pollen than in many substitutes ( Scientific Beekeeping ) ( Scientific Beekeeping ).Practical Applications : Despite the nutritional gaps, Oliver notes that feeding pollen substitutes can be economically beneficial, especially during times when natural pollen is scarce.
Practical Tips for Beekeepers
Evaluate Necessity : Assess whether your bees actually need pollen substitutes. In areas with abundant natural pollen, supplements might be unnecessary.
Monitor Consumption : Keep an eye on how much of the supplement your bees are consuming. This can help you adjust the amount you provide.
Quality Matters : Choose high-quality pollen substitutes that contain actual pollen, even if it’s a small percentage.
Avoid Overfeeding : Too much supplemental feeding can attract pests and might not be beneficial if natural pollen is available.
Test Consistency : Ensure that your pollen patties are the right consistency—not too hard or too soft—so they remain accessible to bees without melting or becoming too difficult to consume.
Mix Sugar Syrup Thoroughly : When using pollen substitutes and you want to start feeding pollen patties, mix sugar syrup thoroughly to create a soft paste with the powder. This helps keep the mixture from drying out too quickly and ensures it remains accessible for the bees.
Learn more about Feeding Your Honey Bees.
Conclusion
Feeding pollen and protein substitutes can be a helpful tool for beekeepers , particularly when natural pollen is scarce. However, it's important to evaluate the necessity based on your region and specific hive conditions. By understanding the role of protein in bee health and using supplements wisely, you can support the productivity and health of your colonies. Happy beekeeping!
Adam Hickman owns Foxhound Bee Company and is a certified EAS Master Beekeeper. Before ever selling a box through Foxhound Bee Company, Adam wrote beekeeping blogs for education. Adam regularly teaches beekeeping classes through Foxhound Bee Co and also through his local beekeeping club
