Feeding pollen at this time of year..pros / cons

[Adam]

Just received an email from Vita - suggesting Vitafeed Nutri. No idea if it's better or worse than any other - but worth considering. Or check out Randy Olivers When to feed pollen subs and comparisons too:-
http://scientificbeekeeping.com/bee-nutrition/

[Kate Atchley]

Thanks Adam. I looked at the newish Vita feed but it's more expensive than I'm prepared to pay ... nearly £30 for 500g from Thornes apparently.
Yes, Randy Oliver has studied this and his conclusions tally with my own observations. He says: "There was no apparent benefit to feeding pollen sub when there was adequate pollen of high nutritive value naturally available. So don’t waste your money."

Here on the margins of land where honey bees can thrive pollen is in fairly short supply from June onwards, aside from the heather. The exceptionally wet weather has added to the dearth in the hives. Sadly we have virtually no ivy.