Winker
Drone Bee
- Joined
- Jan 4, 2011
- Messages
- 1,365
- Reaction score
- 2
- Location
- Bedfordshire
- Hive Type
- National
- Number of Hives
- 22
Ok so far we had had a real mild winter, more like a continuous autumn than a real winter. But that could all change in the next few weeks, only time will tell.
Last year Spring started around 4 weeks earlier than normal and many people were caught out with early swarms. This year my bees have been out most days (4 days out of 7) collecting pollen, so im guessing that my queens have not stopped laying this winter and a small amount of brood is being produced. If this weather keeps up I am guessing that spring will be with us a month early again.
It has been my intention to give my bees a head start for the rape coming into flower by feeding pollen patties mid to late February. But that is based on spring being here on time and not coming early. If spring is coming upon us a month early would it be best to start the pollen patty feeding at the end of January? Or do you think that as the bees have been out collecting pollen all winter, I may not need to put the patties in at all? I know the only sure way of knowing is to open the hives and have a good look at the pollen stores, but IMHO that’s not an option. Disturbing the bees at his time of year with an inspection may do more harm than good.
So what's everyone's thoughts. Pollen patties at the end of Feb or end of Jan, or not at all?
Last year Spring started around 4 weeks earlier than normal and many people were caught out with early swarms. This year my bees have been out most days (4 days out of 7) collecting pollen, so im guessing that my queens have not stopped laying this winter and a small amount of brood is being produced. If this weather keeps up I am guessing that spring will be with us a month early again.
It has been my intention to give my bees a head start for the rape coming into flower by feeding pollen patties mid to late February. But that is based on spring being here on time and not coming early. If spring is coming upon us a month early would it be best to start the pollen patty feeding at the end of January? Or do you think that as the bees have been out collecting pollen all winter, I may not need to put the patties in at all? I know the only sure way of knowing is to open the hives and have a good look at the pollen stores, but IMHO that’s not an option. Disturbing the bees at his time of year with an inspection may do more harm than good.
So what's everyone's thoughts. Pollen patties at the end of Feb or end of Jan, or not at all?