Pollen patties must be placed directly in the heart of the hive, specifically between two brood boxes or on the top bars of the brood chamber where the bee cluster is most concentrated. This central placement is critical because it ensures nurse bees have immediate access to the protein necessary for producing royal jelly to feed the developing brood.
Placement is about reducing travel time for the bees that need the food most. By locating patties directly on the top bars within the brood nest, you ensure nurse bees can access nutrients without abandoning the larvae they are tending.
Optimizing Placement for Consumption
Targeting the Brood Nest
The most effective location is directly on the top bars of the frames containing the brood. If you are using a multi-box setup, sandwiching the patty between the two brood boxes is ideal.
Access for Nurse Bees
Nurse bees are the primary consumers of pollen substitutes. They convert this protein into royal jelly to feed developing larvae.
Because nurse bees prefer to stay close to the brood, placing the patty elsewhere in the hive often results in poor consumption.
The Importance of the Cluster
You must identify where the bees are clustered before placing the patty. Placing the feed directly over the densest part of the cluster ensures the colony engages with the food immediately.
Preserving Feed Quality
Managing Moisture Levels
The environment inside a beehive is maintained at a high temperature, which can rapidly evaporate moisture from exposed feed.
If a pollen patty loses its moisture, it will harden and become unpalatable to the bees. Once hard, the bees will often ignore it completely, leading to waste and potential nutritional deficits.
Utilizing Plastic Barriers
To counteract evaporation, leave the plastic film or sheet on the patty (or apply one if making your own).
This plastic acts as a moisture barrier, keeping the patty soft and moist. This ensures the feed remains accessible throughout the entire feeding cycle.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Avoiding "Cold" Zones
Do not place patties on the outer frames or near the hive entrance.
Bees in the cluster will rarely break formation to travel to the cold extremities of the hive to retrieve food, rendering the patty useless.
Neglecting Texture
Never assume that because a patty is present, it is being eaten.
If you fail to use a moisture barrier, the patty will turn into a hard "rock" that the bees cannot consume. Regular checks are required to ensure the feed remains soft.
Making the Right Choice for Your Colony
To maximize the impact of your supplemental feeding, align your placement strategy with the colony's current status:
- If your primary focus is rapid brood rearing: Place the patty directly between brood boxes or on the top bars of the central brood frames to give nurse bees instant access.
- If your primary focus is preventing waste: Ensure the patty is covered with a plastic film to retain moisture and prevent the feed from hardening due to hive heat.
Proper placement turns a passive food source into an active tool for hive expansion.
Summary Table:
| Placement Factor | Recommended Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Location | Top bars of brood chamber frames | Provides nurse bees immediate access to protein for royal jelly production. |
| Cluster Alignment | Directly over the densest part of the cluster | Ensures bees engage with the food immediately without leaving the brood. |
| Moisture Control | Keep plastic film on the patty | Prevents the patty from hardening into an unpalatable "rock" due to hive heat. |
| Areas to Avoid | Outer frames and hive entrances | These "cold zones" are ignored by bees, leading to wasted supplemental feed. |
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