> I'm questioning even that, if there is a band of honey above the brood.

I a *proper* setting the first band around the brood is pollen but bees do
not always follow what the books tell us.

studies to confirm, we really don't
> know if the bees that feed that far from the actual brood area utilize the
> protein as well as those immediately in the brood nest.

A *strong * hive will find *in my opinion* pollen patties anyplace within
the hive. In cold weather the *strong* hive will send a *leg* of bees to the
feeder or pollen patty. A weak hive will not.

Above the brood nest and directly over has always in my opinion been the
best place. However I use a spacer (as Allen does). The alternative ( and
used by many commercial beeks) is to make a thinner patty and smash between
the lid and top frames or place between the hive bodies. I have used both
methods but prefer feeding above with a spacer for a number of reasons.

All feed is passed within the hive to the area needed.

bob

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