Beekeeping Pollen Substitute Calculator
Created by: James Porter
Last updated:
Calculate the exact ingredient quantities needed to make pollen substitute patties for your bee colonies. Get recipes for both pollen substitute and pollen supplement with cost estimates.
What is a Pollen Substitute Calculator?
A pollen substitute calculator helps beekeepers determine the exact quantities of ingredients needed to make protein patties for their bee colonies. When natural pollen is scarce, supplemental feeding with pollen substitute becomes critical for maintaining strong, productive colonies.
Pollen provides essential proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals that bees need for brood development and overall colony health. This calculator takes the guesswork out of mixing your own patties, ensuring proper nutrition for your bees.
Pollen Substitute Ingredients
Soy Flour (Defatted): 47-50% protein - Primary protein source for the patty
Brewer's Yeast: 45-52% protein - Adds B vitamins and improves palatability
Sugar Syrup (2:1): Acts as binding agent and provides energy
Real Pollen (optional): 15-30% protein - Attracts bees and boosts nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I feed pollen substitute to my bees?
Feed pollen substitute when natural pollen is scarce, typically in late winter (6-8 weeks before spring buildup), during pollen dearths in summer, or when building up colonies for pollination services. Avoid feeding when abundant natural pollen is available, as bees prefer real pollen.
What is the difference between pollen substitute and pollen supplement?
Pollen substitute contains no real pollen and uses protein sources like soy flour, brewer's yeast, and egg powder. Pollen supplement contains some percentage of real bee-collected pollen mixed with substitute ingredients. Supplements are generally preferred when real pollen is available to mix in.
How much pollen substitute does a colony need?
A typical colony consumes 1-2 pounds of pollen substitute patty per week during buildup periods. Strong colonies preparing for spring may consume more. Monitor consumption and replace patties before they dry out or grow mold. Remove uneaten patties after 2 weeks.
What protein percentage should pollen substitute have?
Effective pollen substitutes should contain 18-25% protein to match natural pollen nutrition. Higher protein content (23-25%) is beneficial during intensive brood rearing. Ensure the protein sources are digestible by bees - soy flour and brewer's yeast are common effective ingredients.
Can I make pollen substitute patties at home?
Yes, homemade pollen patties are cost-effective. Common recipes combine soy flour, brewer's yeast, sugar syrup, and optionally real pollen. The mixture should form a pliable dough that can be flattened into patties. Always use food-grade ingredients and avoid additives harmful to bees.
Sources and References
- University of Georgia Bee Lab, "Pollen Substitute Feeding Guidelines"
- Standifer, L.N., "Supplemental Feeding of Honey Bee Colonies", USDA
- Scientific Beekeeping, "Pollen Sub Recipes and Feeding"