Winter & Spring Protein Patties 

When temperatures drop (and cleansing flights are scarce), I keep protein low. As spring approaches, I raise protein to fuel brood buildup. Below are the exact mixes I use, why I use them, and how to place them on the hive. For full disclosure this is a recipe that was handed down through my Master Beekeeping Course from the University of Montana.

Why these ratios?

• Winter: Too much protein can aggravate Nosema because bees can’t take regular cleansing flights. Target ~4–5% protein by total patty weight.

• Late Winter/Early Spring: Colonies need protein for brood rearing. Target ~20% protein by total patty weight.

• Notes on ingredients: Use white granulated sugar (avoid organic/brown—extra ash can cause digestive issues). Most pollen subs are ~40–50% protein by weight; the ratios below hit the protein targets.

Winter Patty (Low-Protein)

Dry ratio: 90% sugar : 10% pollen sub
Per-batch weights:

• White sugar: 4.5 lb

• Pollen sub: 0.5 lb

• Water: 7 oz (0.4375 lb)

Per-batch totals:

• Total weight: 5.4375 lb

• As-mixed composition (by total weight):

  • Sugar ≈ 82.76%

  • Pollen sub ≈ 9.20%

  • Water ≈ 8.05%

• Approx. protein in final patty: If pollen sub is 40–50% protein → overall patty ≈ 3.7–4.6% protein (right in the winter target).

Scale-up: 100 batches

• Sugar: 450 lb

• Pollen sub: 50 lb

• Water: 700 oz (43.75 lb)

• Total: 543.75 lb

Late Winter / Early Spring Patty (High-Protein)

Dry ratio: 60% sugar : 40% pollen sub
(I keep the same total dry weight as winter for easy batching.)

Per-batch weights:

• White sugar: 3.0 lb

• Pollen sub: 2.0 lb

• Water: 7 oz (0.4375 lb)

Per-batch totals:

• Total weight: 5.4375 lb

• As-mixed composition (by total weight):

  • Sugar ≈ 55.17%

  • Pollen sub ≈ 36.78%

  • Water ≈ 8.05%

• Approx. protein in final patty: If pollen sub is 40–50% protein → overall patty ≈ 14.7–18.4% protein (lands near the 20% spring target; using a 50%-protein sub or nudging the pollen sub slightly higher will push you right to ~20%.)

Scale-up: 100 batches

• Sugar: 300 lb

• Pollen sub: 200 lb

• Water: 700 oz (43.75 lb)

• Total: 543.75 lb

Mixing & Placement

1. Mix: Combine dry ingredients first. Add 7 oz water per batch while mixing (stand mixer, mortar mixer, or heavy-duty drill paddle) until it forms a cohesive dough that doesn’t crumble.

2. Bag: Portion into zip-top bags. Flatten to ~¾" thick.

3. Open: Cut a long slit across the bag so bees can access the patty without drowning.

4. Place: Set the bag on two small sticks or shims on top bars to create airflow and bee access.

5. Spacer: Use a rim/spacer (typically 1–2") under the inner cover so the patty fits without crushing bees.

6. Timing:

   • Winter: Apply when natural forage is absent and colonies feel light.

   • Late winter/early spring: Shift to the higher-protein patty as brood rearing ramps up.

Quick Reference (per batch)

• Winter: 4.5 lb sugar + 0.5 lb pollen sub + 7 oz water

• Spring: 3.0 lb sugar + 2.0 lb pollen sub + 7 oz water