Hi All

Lloyd was discussing feeding of pollen patties when he said...

>  I can't honestly think of any situation where bees
> need syrup but would have plenty of pollen.
> Syrup will cause the bees to significantly expand
> the brood nest.  As you are artificially creating the
> expansion, it is inconceivable that there will be
> enough pollen (think, protein).  Without sufficient
> protein, the brood and new bees will not properly
> develop.

Now in the area and climate of the UK, we see this a little differently...

If we feed an early 'stimulative dose' of syrup to a developing colony, we
do so to alter the ratio of bees foraging for pollen and nectar. By
providing the syrup, more bees are available for pollen collection, which in
turn brings in more pollen from natural sources.

We believe that this natural pollen is better than patties or supplements,
that is not to say that pollen patties, soya flour and yeast derivatives are
not used, but that the emphasis is a little different.

Best Regards & 73s, Dave Cushman, G8MZY
Beekeeping and Bee Breeding Website
http://website.lineone.net/~dave.cushman

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