@elItalia I'm just wondering what is the "exact" rationale behind pollen indicating correct regulation? I very much agree with the idea of not providing a false state of affairs. It is the same reason for which I don't fertilise my garden - compost and roaming chooks seems to be sufficient.
Sorry Cap'n, I missed your update post.
I am not always checking this forum, my blue. ;-(
The "rationale" is very basic/simple.
Pollen going in does not indicate it is available as forage
it does however in even very small amounts (duration during any day)
tell you there is brood being fed, no matter the airtemp.
That is an important signal for knowing the colony is maintaining
the growth/replication the bees deem sufficient... as in sustainable.
Like, there may be flora abundant but rocky times ahead so bees
will cutback on the queen laying and so cutback on pollen to increase
only their honey stores.
These subtleties are masked in feeding supplements.
Bill
[edit for mongrel schpel scheckah]