Honey bees eat nectar (carbohydrates) and pollen (protein). Simple. But we can make it more complex: amino acids, fats, minerals and vitamins. Carbohydrates Colonies will perish within days if they do not have carbohydrates to consume. The biggest contributing factor to honey bee colony losses in winter is a lack of carbohydrates - either honey or sugar supplements. Lack of nectar will increase aggression and decrease brood rearing, pollen foraging and hygienic behaviour.  Protein The amount of protein required depends on the season, the climate and the plant species available in the area. The amount of protein in pollen is important. Pollens can be graded on the crude protein proportion they contain. A poor-quality pollen has a crude protein proportion [...]