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What You’ll Need to Make Pollen Patties:
+ A container of pollen substitute
(available through many bee supply companies)
+ Either 1:1 or 2:1 sugar syrup
+ A mixer or sturdy spoon

There are no explicit quantities of either ingredient for patties. What you’re going for is an end product with a firm consistency that can be placed on a sheet of wax paper and flattened. Depending on how many hives you want to feed, pour about 1 cup into the bowl per hive to get you started. Then add just enough sugar syrup to make a malleable dough. Some Beeks create firmer patties that resemble biscuit dough while others make a peanut butter cookie dough texture. It’s really a matter of preference, so experiment with what you and your bees like best.

Once you have your dough ready, simply scoop a portion out and flatten between two sheets of wax paper using your hands or a roller. Place immediately on the hives directly above the brood so nurse bees have easy access. Some folks prefer to remove all of the wax paper while others leave the bottom section of wax paper to rest upon the frames. Either way works, so again it’s up to your preferences.

The amount of time a patty lasts in a hive depends on the needs of the bees and how interested they are in removing unwanted patties. The one problem to watch for is small hive beetles in areas that have these pests, particularly during warm weather. SHB adore patties and believe you made these just for them. It is often recommended to remove any uneaten patty within 72 hours to help prevent SHB buildup instead of bee buildup if beetles are a concern. 

That’s basically all there is to know regarding how to make pollen patties. Equally important is understanding how and why a colony may need pollen substitutes.