Starting a new package

[Bobb]

When starting a new package of bees would adding a pollen patty along with syrup be helpful in getting the colony started? I have seen videos where some have done it but most don't.
Thanks, Bobb

[Michael Bush]

>When starting a new package of bees would adding a pollen patty along with syrup be helpful in getting the colony started?

If there are things blooming they will almost always ignore it and it will go to waste.

[BjornBee]

It all depends.... :-D

As MB stated, if things are blooming, then probably not. If you are getting your packages way to soon to fit this scenario, like some of the package producers are this year, you better have the feed ready.

Last year, I sold to a few new beekeepers who had lost there hives after installing packages in early April on foundation. They got sucked into thinking "the earlier, the better".

One package provider this year in Pa. is advertising packages on March 28th. I hope the snow will be gone for those unfortunate new people this year that was sold this idea is a good thing.

[Michael Bush]

>One package provider this year in Pa. is advertising packages on March 28th.

If I got a package here in March I'd have to put pollen out or a patty on, or a frame of pollen in or they wouldn't get going at all...