Warm early spring weather signals the start of another beekeeping year. As the queen increases her laying activity, the bees will be in need of more protein to feed developing larvae. If fall pollen stores are low, and the local area is not producing any pollen, many beekeepers dry feed a pollen substitute (such as Broodbuilder or BeePro). Here is an easy method to feed protein supplement that I found useful in my bee yards: 1. Cut a section of 4" PVC or ABS pipe to a length of 18" 2. Drive a T-Post or fence post at your selected feeder location 3. Affix the pipe horizontally to the post 4. Sprinkle pollen substitute onto an ice cube tray or œ of an egg carton 5. Insert tray into 4" pipe This method ensures that the feed is protected from the elements and the feeders are easily left in the yard for use anytime the bees will take pollen supplement. Mounting it on a post helps keep unwanted guests such as mice out of the feed. I have had better success with this method than with pollen patties, and it is a delight to see the bee activity in the spring.

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