Bees are eating the chicken feed!

[Jrios58]

Does anyone know why bees would be interested in layer crumbles? They're swarming around the feeders and my chickens won't eat when they're there. I put some out in their yard and the bees found it within seconds. I am going to put this question on a bee keeper forum also- what can i put out for the bees that they will eat instead?

 

[ILoveDaffy]

That is weird

 

[OhZark Biddies]

Does anyone know why bees would be interested in layer crumbles? They're swarming around the feeders and my chickens won't eat when they're there. I put some out in their yard and the bees found it within seconds. I am going to put this question on a bee keeper forum also- what can i put out for the bees that they will eat instead?

The short answer is they collect the powder from feed using it as they would pollen...

Once there is actual pollen available they will move to it and leave the feed alone, or you can put out some pollen patties or something for them to use in the meantime.

 

[MarkJr]

^^^ This. They are using the protein to raise brood. Bees are very resourceful.

 

[Jrios58]

Ok, i found a beekeeper and asked her- she said they are attracted to the protein. So i ordered some high protein pollen substitute, wil put that out and see if they like it better.

 

[MarkJr]

Ok, i found a beekeeper and asked her- she said they are attracted to the protein. So i ordered some high protein pollen substitute, wil put that out and see if they like it better.

Bees seem to stick to one food source until it's depleted. If you don't get results, try moving the feed as far away from its location as possible, and offer pollen.

Is there an issue with the bees? They aren't typically aggressive when foraging.

 

[Jrios58]

Bees seem to stick to one food source until it's depleted. If you don't get results, try moving the feed as far away from its location as possible, and offer pollen.

Is there an issue with the bees? They aren't typically aggressive when foraging.

The issue is the chickens are afraid of them and won't eat.
Obviously i don't want to hurt the bees either. So giving them what they need ( higher protein too) makes sense They're coming 300+ feet across the pasture to find the chicken feed, so I'm going to put the pollen a lot closer to their hive and maybe put some chicken food there too since they like it.

 

[MarkJr]

The issue is the chickens are afraid of them and won't eat.
Obviously i don't want to hurt the bees either. So giving them what they need ( higher protein too) makes sense They're coming 300+ feet across the pasture to find the chicken feed, so I'm going to put the pollen a lot closer to their hive and maybe put some chicken food there too since they like it.

Sounds like a plan. Move your chicken feeder as far as possible will help force them into looking for a new source.