Hi all,

Just read Allen Dick's web page on feeding pollen substitute/ supplement.  He states that to ensure the bees consume the mixture (patties),and to minimize waste either a high sugar content (50%+) or a high natural pollen content (15%+) is necessary.  Assuming a high sugar content is opted for using BEE PRO and no pollen added.  Question #1:  What would be easier for a wintering bee cluster to utilize  dry substitute or patty form ( answer shouldn't be based on convenience for beekeeper)? If dry form what % ( by weight) of extra fine sugar should be added to guarantee acceptance?  Does the moisture in pollen patties create stress on the wintering cluster?  Would the lack of moisture create stress?  I realize that colonies can use either dry or patty form, but does one form or the other cause the bees to utilize their winter stores inefficiently?  In other words would the added moisture in the patties cause the bees more stress thus using up more winter stores due to an excess of moisture compounded upon the moisture from their respiration?  I plan on experimenting with dry\patty pollen substitute to see its effect on the wintering cluster and brood populations.  Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

Clayton Huestis
Crown Point, NY