Having only one colony, and having built it up from last seasons nuc, I am looking to divide and increase my stock this coming season. Having hefted the hive, there appears to be plenty of food there still, and capping pieces falling through the OMF in good quantity.

So in order to stimulate brood production I made up some pollen substitute this afternoon with a view to having a peek under the crown board during the week and putting the pollen on the frames. Choosing this time because our worthy weather forecasters are talking about 'warmer' weather mid-week.

I realise this may entail having to feed later on to match the increased demand as brood hatches.

Any thoughts on pollen substitute feeding at this time, or indeed doing it at all???