There are various large bee feeders that sit atop or near the entrance to a hive. Each has different capacities for holding syrup, and may allow open access by bees (whereas others allow limited or restricted access that can be screened off).
Bucket feeders feature long troughs to facilitate bee access, and come equipped with clear lids that make refilling easy without disrupting their hives. However, these feeders are susceptible to robbing.
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Frame Feeder
This feeder fits snugly within one frame in a deep hive body and holds one gallon of feed. Equipped with an easy lid-and-ladder system that prevents drowning, refilling the feeder is fast and straightforward.
Container feeders are particularly helpful during spring and fall nectar flows when colonies require large amounts of syrup to quickly construct their comb. Their wide surface area enables rapid consumption; large colonies may consume an entire gallon in just one or two days!
Many variations exist on the market and their performance varies significantly. Old wooden ones work more effectively than their plastic counterparts with smooth sides that float in syrup and drown bees; some models with rough sides or ladders help prevent bees from drowning; however, these still take up extra space and may pose potential robber issues.
Inverted Container
This invention presents a container capable of operating in two distinct geometries, resembling either a plate- or bowl-like geometry, when activated with force. Switching between these configurations is possible via an invertible container that can be switched back and forth easily.
An inverted hinge line articulates various sections of a food container as it switches between different geometries, as its central region becomes subject to forces applied from outside its periphery. This hinge allows it to function efficiently.
The base section may feature optional cap openings 17 for holding caps 7 of containers 23, when an inverted one is held up by hand. Furthermore, there may also be a front section designed to keep an inverted container from falling when being held upright.
Rapid Feeder
One type of feeders resembles a frame and sits inside the hive, usually beneath an empty brood box. They can hold one gallon or more and are easy to fill, yet are subject to being easily knocked over by wind and animals such as raccoons; additionally, their presence creates sticky moldy dead bee pileups!
Plastic rapid feeders that sit on crown boards inside of supers or brood boxes provide an ideal way to feed new colonies without disturbing their bees, making restocking quick and effortless. They’re particularly useful when installing nucs or packages which arrive without food supplies – these feeders also help build stores up before winter sets in.
Bottom Board Feeder
Bees can still get out the front without moving the dam and the feeder is easy to keep clean.
Some beekeepers use dry sugar granules poured directly down the rear of their hives (not recommended with Screened Bottom Boards), leading to mold growth and plugging up of feeder holes.
An entrance feeder that sits up against the hive and slides smoothly over a screened bottom board may also help bees access their syrup quickly and minimize robbing by making it hard for thieves to gain entry.
Hummingbird Feeder
If you want to attract hummingbirds to your garden, this beautifully designed feeder could be just what’s needed to do so. With an easy fill reservoir and detachable base that lets you access all inner corners for thorough cleaning, as well as bee guards and an optional ant moat on top, this product also protects nectar from pests scavenging for it.
Be sure to use a mixture of one part white sugar to four parts water; no red dye should ever be added – its effects have never been investigated. Place your feeder in a safe location away from predators but near shelter plants to encourage hummingbird visits; be sure to clean it regularly so as to prevent fermentation and fungal growth.
