Bee feeders come in a range of sizes, designs and capacities; however they all work on the same principle.
Bee hives are basically upside-down containers that hold liquid. This liquid usually consists of sugar syrup but could also be any other nectar the bees enjoy.
Contents
Easy to fill
5 gallon bee feeders are easy to fill and maintain, providing a great solution for bees who do not have enough food reserves to sustain themselves. In winter months when pollen and nectar supply may be limited during foraging activities, 5 gallon feeders can also provide an efficient source of nutrition.
Beekeepers have a range of options when it comes to bee feeders. The type, climate and location of your hive will all influence which feeder is best suited for it.
Top feeders are designed to atop Langstroth hives and give bees access to syrup without drowning. They come in sizes suitable for 8-frame and 10-frame hives, making filling them easy with minimal disturbance to the bees below.
These hive-top bee feeders feature a plastic reservoir that stores sugar syrup and hardware cloth to enable bees access it without drowning. However, they require some upkeep such as cleaning the hardware cloth to prevent leaks.
Easy to clean
Bee feeders are an excellent way to make sure your hives have plenty of food during cold seasons. There are various types of bee feeders available, each with their own advantages and drawbacks.
Some of the most popular feeders include entrance feeders, plastic bag feeders, frame feeders and bucket feeders. All come with a lid that can be refilled with sugar water or dry syrup.
Entry feeders are a popular choice among many beekeepers, as they allow you to monitor how much sugar water your hive is consuming without opening the hive. Unfortunately, these feeders can be vulnerable to robbing and may attract other pests that attempt to steal the food.
Frame feeders are another common type of bee feeder, and they come with both pros and cons. One major advantage is their ease of cleaning; however, one major drawback is their propensity for warping which could reduce feed capacity or cause comb buildup on adjacent frames.
Easy to refill
Bees typically make enough food on their own, but sometimes they need a boost when resources or conditions prevent them from foraging. Feeding your bees sugar syrup is an effective way to encourage their work and ensure they survive tough times.
You have several options for feeding your bees. Frame feeders, entrance feeders and internal hive-top feeders all work in the same way.
Frame feeders are incredibly straightforward to use – simply remove one frame from your hive and place it inside the feeder. Plus, they offer convenience for bees since they can quickly feed themselves and quickly return to their warm hive.
Entrance feeders, also known as Boardman feeders, are another popular type of feeder. They consist of a jar that sits outside the hive and a feeding tray that slides into its entrance. The jar stores syrup while the tray allows your bees to access it easily.
Easy to monitor
5 gallon pails or buckets make for convenient maintenance, just be sure the lid has a tight fit to prevent leaks.
These are an ideal option if you plan on feeding your bees for a prolonged period. They provide ample resources throughout the duration of your crop cycle and eliminate the need to lug around heavy jars around.
The advantage of this type of feeder is not only its ease of monitoring, but it’s also simple to refill. Doing so doesn’t require opening your hive and exposing the bees to potential danger.
However, there are a few drawbacks to this type of feeder. Firstly, it may be difficult for you to see if your bees are drinking the syrup since it is outside their hive. To deter robbers, place an entrance reducer next to the feeder by taping over any notches in its inner cover.
