I like to feed pollen patties a week or two before the first main pollen is out in my area. Gives the hive a bit of a jump start to the main pollen flow and allows the hive to continual feed during unfavourable weather. I think it makes for healther bees in the spring, and healtheir bees, means harder working bees. After teh first day or so of the bee's has emergance, it is critical for it to get a high diet of protien to fully develop it wings and flight muscles. That is why you have to keep the supplement right overtop of the brood area so the youngins have easy access to it. I would not feed it too early, try to keep it close to your pollen flow. Ian :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::