VitaHive Brood Booster 250ml - Makes 25L

Science-Based Hive Stimulant for Stronger Brood

Spring honey production starts with winter brood-building, the colonies you build up in July and August become the foraging powerhouses of October through February. Australian winters bring low pollen and nectar, slowing queen laying and keeping brood numbers stagnant. Hives that come out of winter weak never reach peak strength in time for the main honey flow, meaning smaller harvests and fewer splits.

VitaHive™ Brood Booster™ was formulated to solve exactly this. It's a concentrated hive stimulant made in New Zealand from hydrolysed protein, essential amino acids, plant oils, vitamins, and minerals designed to break winter dormancy and stimulate earlier, stronger queen laying. Just 250ml makes up to 25 litres of bee feed, with measurable improvements confirmed through testing on commercial apiaries across New Zealand and Australia.

Why Should I Feed Brood Booster?

Strong spring hives come from brood-building in late winter. A queen needs to be laying by July to August so those eggs become foraging workers by October, just as the nectar flow begins. Brood Booster delivers the exact nutrition queens and nurse bees need to ramp up laying earlier, resulting in higher peak hive size, better honey yields, and fewer winter losses the following year.

What's Actually In It?

Key ingredients include hydrolysed protein (mimics pollen protein for nurse bees), sucrose for energy, L-tryptophan for brood development, lecithin for nutrient absorption, and thymol, lemongrass, and spearmint oils for gut health and feeding stimulation. It's free from GMO ingredients, soy, animal products, and antibiotics.

How Do I Use It?

For feeder application, mix 10ml per litre of syrup. For drench feeding, use 30ml per litre, pouring one cup directly over frames. Start in July or August and continue until hives reach desired strength. Pair with VitaHive Power Feed for maximum brood-rearing impact.

When Should I Start and Stop?

Start in late winter (earlier in warmer regions, later in Tasmania), continue into early spring, and always stop before adding honey supers, typically September to October. Optional autumn feeding can help build winter-strong colonies.

Will It Affect My Honey?

Not if used correctly. The manufacturer recommends never feeding with honey supers on, since sucrose could raise C4 sugar levels in harvested honey. Feed before adding supers in spring and after removing them in autumn, with zero impact on honey quality when timed this way.

What Results Should I Expect?

Beekeepers report earlier queen laying, visibly larger brood patches within 2 to 3 weeks, faster spring buildup, better honey yields, and lower winter losses the following season.

How Far Does 250ml Go?

The concentrate makes up to 25 litres of finished feed, enough for a small hobby apiary (3 to 5 hives) through a full winter-to-spring buildup. Larger operations should consider the 1L, 5L, or 20L sizes.

Should I Combine With Pollen Supplements?

Yes, ideally with VitaHive Power Feed. Brood Booster stimulates laying, while Power Feed gives nurse bees the protein to feed new larvae, together delivering a stronger spring buildup than either alone.

Specifications

• Brand: VitaHive™
• Size: 250ml concentrate, makes up to 25L of finished feed
• Made in: New Zealand
• Key ingredients: Hydrolysed protein, sucrose, thymol, lemongrass oil, spearmint oil
• Free from: GMO, soy, animal products, antibiotics
• Standard dilution: 10ml per litre (feeder feeding)
• Drench dilution: 30ml per litre (direct application)
• Best feeding window: July to September in Australia
• Restriction: Do not feed with honey supers in place

What does VitaHive Brood Booster do?

It stimulates queens to lay earlier and stronger during late winter, helping colonies build stronger brood numbers ahead of the main spring nectar flow.

How much feed does 250ml make?

The 250ml concentrate makes up to 25 litres of finished bee feed, enough to support a small hobby apiary of 3 to 5 hives through a winter to spring buildup.

How do I dilute Brood Booster?

For standard feeder feeding, mix 10ml per litre of sugar syrup. For drench feeding, use 30ml per litre and pour directly over the frames.

When should I start and stop feeding?

Start in late winter, typically July or August in Australia, and stop before adding honey supers, usually around September to October.

Will Brood Booster affect my honey?

No, as long as you stop feeding before adding honey supers. Feeding with supers on can raise sugar levels in harvested honey, so timing matters.

Is Brood Booster safe for my bees?

Yes, it's made from natural ingredients with no chemicals, antibiotics, or GMO components, and testing has shown no negative effects on bee health.

What results can I expect from feeding it?

Beekeepers typically report earlier queen laying, larger brood patches within 2 to 3 weeks, faster spring buildup, and better honey yields.

Should I use it with a pollen supplement?

Yes, ideally alongside VitaHive Power Feed. Brood Booster stimulates laying while Power Feed provides the protein nurse bees need for larvae.

What is Brood Booster made from?

It contains hydrolysed protein, sucrose, amino acids, and essential oils like thymol, lemongrass and spearmint, and is free from GMOs and soy.

Is the 250ml size right for my apiary?

It suits hobbyists with 3 to 5 hives. Larger sideliner or commercial operations should consider the 1L, 5L, or 20L sizes for better value.