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Question for the beekeepers out there. I'm starting a hive at the end of March and one in early April. There isn't a heavy pollen or nectar flow in my area yet. We are planning supplemental feeding starting out but I'm also thinking of adding a pollen substitute to encourage brood rearing. The supplements/feeding will stop once things are in bloom here. I've found these three, does anyone have any experience with them?
Brood Builder
AP23
Ultra Bee
@That_One_Guy I kept bees for 5 years in southern BC; gave up after wasps etc decimated. But I'd say probably just sugar feed would do. I don't think I'd worry about pollen supplement yet - there'll be a bloom probably pretty soon.
@SonofaGeorge
It's probably just jitters but I'm concerned they'll be lacking and not start building out the brood. A local keeper I talk to offered a few pounds of AP23 to try out. I'm starting with a package of bees in a new hive so they will have zero resources. The second colony is a nuc so they will have 5 built frames starting out.
@That_One_Guy I'm a bit surprised that you might need to feed in the spring in Missouri; I'd have thought it would be pretty benign there weather-wise and bloom-wise? In BC we have real seasons and have to feed for sure. Rely on your local colleagues for sure; they know a hell of a lot more about your situation than I would.
@SonofaGeorge
The weather here is hit or miss until mid April. We'll have heavy frost next week and I'm planning on installing bees March 28th. Currently nothing is in bloom around my house. The nucleus hive coming mid April will have better foraging starting out. Once both colonies are built up I doubt any supplements will be needed.
Good luck@SonofaGeorge
Thank you!