HiveAlive 15% Pollen Patty Honey Bee Feed — Protein Support for Spring Build-Up

Support brood rearing and early-season colony growth with a ready-to-use pollen substitute patty made with 15% pollen and the HiveAlive seaweed extract blend. Ideal for late winter, early spring, and anytime colonies need extra protein because natural pollen is limited.

Quick Specs

• Brand: HiveAlive
• Type: Protein pollen substitute patty
• Pollen Content: 15%
• Form: Ready-to-feed patty
• Net weight / patty weight: 1 lb.
• Primary Use Case: Supplemental protein feeding for brood rearing
• Best Seasons: Late winter, early spring, spring build-up
• Compatible With: Standard Langstroth equipment (deep/medium brood boxes)
• Not a Treatment: Not a pesticide, antibiotic, or mite treatment
• SKU: FEED-4242.15
• Shelf Life: Please contact our customer service department to verify shelf life for current stock
• Storage: Store sealed in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight (freezing recommended for long-term storage)

What is HiveAlive 15% Pollen Patty Honey Bee Feed?

HiveAlive 15% Pollen Patty is a ready-to-feed protein supplement with 15% pollen to support brood rearing when pollen is scarce.

• This is a ready-to-use pollen substitute patty (no mixing required).
• The patty contains 15% pollen.
• The formula includes the HiveAlive seaweed extract blend.
• This product is a feed supplement,not a medication.
• It is intended to support brood rearing and spring build-up.

HiveAlive 15% Pollen Patty is designed to provide consistent protein when natural pollen is limited by weather, season, or forage gaps. Like all pollen patties, results depend on colony strength, brood level, and whether the bees also have access to carbohydrates (nectar or syrup). This product is nutrition-only and should not be confused with mite control, antibiotics, or disease treatments.

When should you feed pollen patties to honey bees?

Feed pollen patties in late winter or early spring, or anytime colonies are raising brood but cannot bring in natural pollen consistently.

• Late winter: To support early brood rearing before pollen is available
• Early spring: To help colonies build population faster
• Cold snaps: When foraging is limited for multiple days
• Packages, nucs, and splits: To support brood production during early growth

Pollen patties are typically fed when the colony needs protein but cannot reliably collect it. This commonly happens during late winter, early spring, or extended poor weather. Strong colonies may consume patties quickly, while smaller colonies may consume them slowly. If bees ignore a patty, that can indicate strong natural pollen intake, low brood demand, or temperatures that limit movement.

How do you feed HiveAlive 15% Pollen Patties?

For best results, place the patty directly above the brood nest so nurse bees can access it easily.

• Open the hive and locate the brood area
• Place the patty on the top bars above brood frames
• Close the hive promptly to reduce heat loss
• Check consumption after several days and replace if needed

The most reliable placement is directly above brood frames because nurse bees are concentrated there. Work quickly to keep brood warm, especially in late winter or early spring. Consumption rate depends on colony population, brood level, and outside temperature. If bees are not consuming the patty, remove it rather than leaving it in place for long periods. Always use clean equipment and avoid contaminating patties with dirt, moisture, or old comb debris.

Can HiveAlive 15% Pollen Patty be used for packages, nucs, and splits?

Yes. This patty can support packages, nucs, and splits during installation and early build-up when pollen is limited.

• Supports early brood rearing
• Helps colonies build population faster when forage is poor
• Pairs well with spring syrup feeding when needed

New colonies are often trying to build brood rapidly while also drawing comb and stabilizing temperature. Protein support can help when weather or forage delays natural pollen intake. In early spring, many beekeepers pair pollen patties with syrup feeding if nectar is not coming in. Monitor consumption and adjust feeding based on colony strength. If bees are not eating the patty, remove it and reassess timing or placement.

Should you feed pollen patties when honey supers are on?

Many beekeepers avoid feeding pollen patties while harvest supers are on to reduce the risk of supplement mixing in surplus honey.

• A common practice is to avoid supplements during honey harvest.
• The concern is unintended mixinginto surplus honey.
• Timing depends on management style and harvest goals.

Many beekeepers prefer to stop feeding supplements once harvest supers are installed. This is a conservative approach to protect honey purity and avoid confusion about what was fed during the surplus flow. If feeding is needed for colony health, consider removing harvest supers first or delaying honey production goals until nutrition is stabilized.

How should you store pollen patties for best shelf life?

Store pollen patties sealed in a cool, dry place out of sunlight; freezing is commonly used for long-term storage.

• Keep patties sealedto prevent drying or contamination.
• Store in a cool, dry environment.
• Keep out of direct sunlight.
• Freezing is commonly used for long-term storage.
• Shelf life varies by batch and storage conditions.

Heat and moisture are the biggest enemies of pollen patties. For short-term storage, a cool, dry pantry or storage room is usually fine. For long-term storage, many beekeepers freeze patties to preserve freshness and reduce pest risk. Because shelf life depends on the manufacturer’s formulation and batch date, confirm shelf life for the specific lot if you need long storage time.

How long does one pollen patty last in a hive?

One patty may last a few days to multiple weeks depending on colony strength, brood level, weather, and pollen availability.

• Strong colonies can consume patties quickly.
• Weak colonies may consume patties slowly.
• Brood rearing increases protein demand.
• Cold weather reduces consumption by limiting movement.
• Always check patties for mold or pests.

There is no universal consumption rate because colonies vary dramatically. A booming spring colony can eat patties rapidly, while a small cluster may barely touch them. Check after several days and again after a week. If patties are not being consumed, remove them rather than leaving them to mold or attract small hive beetles, ants, or wax moths depending on your region.

Which colonies benefit most from pollen patties in spring?

Colonies raising brood with weak or inconsistent pollen intake benefit most, including new packages, nucs, and spring splits.

• Best for colonies in active brood rearing.
• Best when natural pollen is limited.
• Common for packages, nucs, and splits.
• Useful during rapid spring population expansion.
• Not always needed during strong pollen flows.

Pollen patties are most useful when brood rearing is happening but pollen intake can’t keep up. That includes early spring build-up, poor forage conditions, or new colonies trying to grow quickly. During heavy pollen flows, patties may be unnecessary and can be ignored. The key is matching feeding to what the colony is actually doing—watch the brood nest, incoming pollen, and the colony’s overall momentum.

Feeding Tips & Best Practices

HiveAlive 15% Pollen Patties are designed to be easy, consistent, and practical for beekeepers who want to support colony nutrition during key growth windows.

Best placement

• Always place patties above the brood nest for fastest consumption.
• Keep patties inside the hive body (not outside the cluster area).

Monitor consumption

• Strong colonies may consume patties quickly.
• Weaker colonies may consume more slowly.
• Replace as needed to avoid mold or pests.

Notes for new colonies

• New colonies often benefit from supplemental feeding during installation and early build-up.
• Most first-year colonies add a second deep within 3–4 weeks of spring installation when conditions are favorable.
• Monitor brood expansion and adjust feeding based on weather and nectar flow.

Important reminders

• This is a feed supplement only and is not a mite treatment or pesticide.
• Use clean equipment and avoid leaving patties in place too long if not being consumed.
• Store sealed and cool; freezing is recommended for long-term storage.

Product Expiration Notice:

Feed products have a defined expiration date and may not have the full shelf life remaining at the time of purchase. If you plan to order feed in advance, we recommend contacting us before hand to confirm the expiration dates of our current inventory. Any product remaining after the expiration date is not eligible for refund or replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HiveAlive 15% Pollen Patty Honey Bee Feed?
It is a ready-to-use protein pollen substitute patty made with 15% pollen and the HiveAlive seaweed extract blend to support brood rearing when natural pollen is limited.

Is this a mite treatment?
No. This is a feed supplement only, not a pesticide, antibiotic, or mite treatment.

When should I feed pollen patties?
Pollen patties are commonly fed in late winter and early spring, during spring build-up, or anytime colonies lack incoming natural pollen.

How do I feed a pollen patty to a hive?
Place the patty directly above the brood nest on the top bars, then close the hive and monitor consumption.

Can I use this for packages and nucs?
Yes. It can support packages, nucs, and splits during early build-up when pollen availability is low.

Should I feed pollen patties while honey supers are on?
Many beekeepers avoid feeding supplements while harvest supers are on to prevent unintended mixing.

How should I store pollen patties?
Store sealed in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. For long-term storage, freezing is commonly recommended.

How long does one patty last in a hive?
Consumption depends on colony strength and brood levels. Check after several days and replace as needed.

Related Links

• Shop All Colony Maintenance & Feeding Supplies
• Shop All Honey Bee Feed & Feeders
• HiveAlive Pollen Patties & Honey Bee Feed
• AP23 Pollen Patties
• HiveAlive Super Syrup 1 Gallon Bee Feed

Customer Reviews

Have you used HiveAlive 15% Pollen Patty Honey Bee Feed? We’d love to hear how it worked in your apiary.

• When did you feed it (late winter, early spring, or during build-up)?
• How quickly did your colonies consume the patty?
• Did you notice improved brood expansion?
• Would you recommend it for packages and nucs?

Your feedback helps other beekeepers make confident decisions and helps us continue improving our products and service.

Please send all feedback to us at [email protected].