Pollen patties give bees the extra nutrition they sometimes need.
Bees normally get pollen from flowers. They then carry the pollen back to the hive, where it is combined with honey to feed the next generation of bees. Before flower season or any time bees need more protein, many beekeepers feed them pollen patties. You can buy pre-made pollen patties or you can make your own.
Instructions
Preparing the Mixture
1. Mix pollen thoroughly into 1.5 cups of the water. Stir until pollen is completely dissolved.
2. Boil the remaining 1.5 cups of water and add the sugar. Stir well to dissolve, then remove from heat and let cool to make a thick syrup. Place both the pollen mixture and the sugar syrup into the large bowl and mix well.
3. Add the brewer's yeast to the bowl and mix it thoroughly. Use the drill with the paint paddle attachment to stir the mixture if it is too stiff to mix with a spoon.
4. Turn the pollen mixture out onto a large sheet of wax paper and flatten it with the rolling pin. Dust the rolling pin with white flour if it sticks to the mixture. Place another piece of wax paper on top.
5. Repeat these steps until you have eight large patties. Place them in the hives, refrigerate them, or store them in the freezer until ready to use.
Tags: cups water, pollen mixture