Bees rely on pollen as their primary source of protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals. This nutrient-rich food is essential for the growth and development of the hive, particularly for the brood (larvae) and the overall health of the colony. Worker bees diligently collect pollen from flowers and store it in the hive, often mixing it with nectar or honey to form "bee bread." This mixture is more digestible and provides long-lasting nutrition for the colony.

Why Do Bees Need Pollen?

1. Brood Rearing: Pollen provides the protein needed by nurse bees to produce royal jelly, which is vital for feeding developing larvae. Without adequate pollen, the colony cannot raise healthy young bees.

2. Colony Strength: Bees use the nutrients from pollen to fuel activities like building wax, maintaining hive temperature, and foraging effectively. Strong colonies are better equipped to thrive and produce honey.

3. Overwintering: In preparation for winter, bees store pollen to sustain themselves during the months when foraging is impossible. This reserve becomes critical for early brood production in the spring.

When to Feed Bees Pollen

The timing for feeding pollen substitutes depends on your local climate, the availability of natural pollen, and the condition of your colony. In Canada, feeding pollen is generally done at specific times of the year to support the colony during critical periods:

1. Early Spring (mid March-April):

   • Start feeding pollen patties when natural pollen sources are scarce but the bees begin rearing brood. This early nutrition helps stimulate brood production and ensures the colony builds up in time for the foraging season.

   • Be cautious of local weather conditions. Feeding too early in cold climates might stress the colony by encouraging activity during a period when resources are limited.

   • Once your colonies have started brood rearing due to pollen availability, drastic drops in temperature can be very detrimental or even cause colonies to fail. This is due to the inability to maintain brood temperature during prolonged cold.
   • Once you start feeding pollen you will need to insure that your colonies have continuous access to a pollen until it is readily available in nature.  

2. Mid-Summer (August):

   • During the "dearth" period—when natural forage is limited in some areas—supplementing with pollen ensures that the colony remains healthy and active.

   • Feeding during this time helps prevent the colony from weakening due to lack of protein.

3. Fall (September-October):

   • Providing pollen in the fall supports the colony in storing enough protein for winter. It also strengthens the bees’ immune systems, ensuring they are robust enough to survive the colder months.

How to Feed Pollen to Bees

• Pollen Patties: These are available HERE and easy to use. Place the patty directly above the brood nest, ensuring it is accessible to the bees.

• Monitor the Hive: Check your colony regularly to ensure they are consuming the supplement and not overproducing brood during inappropriate times.

Why Not to Supplement Feed Pollen in Winter

Feeding pollen during the winter months is generally not recommended. In winter, bees enter a state of reduced activity to conserve energy and maintain the warmth of the hive. Introducing pollen supplements during this period can:

• Stimulate Unnecessary Brood Production: Pollen feeding may trigger the colony to rear brood, which increases their energy demands and depletes their honey stores too quickly.

• Disrupt Winter Clustering: Bees form a tight cluster in winter to maintain warmth. Breaking the cluster to access supplements can expose them to cold temperatures and stress the colony.

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  Can cause dysentery: During the winter months bees are not able to leave the hive for prolonged periods of time. Consuming high levels of pollen without having the ability to go on cleansing flight can cause dysentery inside the hive.

  Instead, ensure that your bees have adequate stores of pollen and honey before winter begins. This natural reserve will sustain the colony until spring.

   

Regional Considerations

Alberta’s diverse climate means that feeding schedules may vary depending on your location. Consult with local beekeeping associations or experienced beekeepers in your area for guidance tailored to your region’s specific conditions. Timing and type of supplementation can be adjusted to align with the natural flowering periods and environmental factors in your area.

By understanding the nutritional needs of your bees and providing pollen supplements at the right times, you can help ensure your colony thrives year-round, contributing to healthy pollination and honey production.