In the Fall, 4% patties is a sufficient amount of pollen to have a steady consumption rate to build up strong winter bees. Why Feed Global Patties? Feeding your hives protein supplement patties will ensure that they produce strong and healthy colonies, by increasing brood production and overall honey flow. Global Patties invented and made popular the paper sandwich patty design, which is now being used universally, and simplifies the handling process for beekeepers. Bees need both protein and carbohydrates. Feeding protein patties in the spring will ensure colony health, good build-up of brood and produce large honey crops. Patties ensure a balanced diet when bees are unable to forage due to weather, when there is a shortage of stored pollen, in monoculture areas where only a few pollen sources are to be found, are subject to competition from stronger hives in the yard or stressed by weather, pesticides, mites and diseases. % of Pollen The amount of pollen in the pollen patties does not determine the nutritional or protein value, but in fact, the consumption rate. Depending on how strong your hives are and how fast you want the hive brood to build up, will determine what percentage you should be feeding. At 4%, you will have a slower consumption rate, and a steady-build up. At 15%, you have a much faster build-up but much faster consumption rate as well, meaning you will have to feed more often. In the Spring, we recommend 15% for a faster build-up so that the hive is strong and ready for the honey flow. However, if you start feeding early then 4% would be sufficient for a steady-build up until natural pollen is available. In the Fall, 4% patties is a sufficient amount of pollen to have a steady consumption rate to build up strong winter bees.
