> > Once natural pollen is available none of the hives will touch the patties,
> > even if there is poor flying weather.
 
I notice that there is crocus pollen coming into our hives (I see the
crocusses nearby).  At the same time, I am pretty sure that I see bees
actively eating the supplement patties on the top bars.
 
I had assumed that the cut-off of supplement consumption with incoming
pollen would be pretty clear cut.  Is this the case?  Or does it take a
heavy pollen flow to cut off interest?  How long must the bees be without
an external pollen source before they resume eating the patties?
 
This is of particular concern to me because I would like to be able to
predict to some extent pollen patty consumption in the fall if I decide to
try it.
 
Allen