An Easy Bee Feeder For New Beekeepers

Feeding bees is essential during times of food shortage or when foraging conditions restrict their efforts. There are various kinds of feeders available; frame feeders replace frames within the hive while baggie feeders consist of an upturned receptacle with holes for feeding bees.

Chewy Online Pet Supplies


35% Off at Chewy.com

+ Free Shipping

Save Now

For this simple bee feeder, all that’s required is any wide container with a lid and some method for creating holes for bees to enter and leave using a finish nail.

Contents

Mason jar

Mason jars provide an easy beefeeder option for novice beekeepers as it fits directly on top of their hives without needing tools. Plus, refilling it when necessary is cost-effective and straightforward – though it could become unruly should too much syrup be consumed by bees! However, be wary if overeager bees decide to consume too much syrup!

Sugar water for bees should be heated to kill microorganisms and prevent its fermentation, and placed near their cluster but not directly over a queen cage or brood chamber.

There are various methods for creating this kind of feeder, from recycling old jars by making cake in them or turning them into attractive bathroom accessories, to choosing glass over plastic because it keeps food fresher longer while looking beautiful in any setting. Glass’ durability and eco-friendliness has long made it the ideal material to use – which has led to it being used by homemakers, chefs and bakers for centuries; becoming iconic everyday objects alongside Converse sneakers, Polaroid cameras, and Swiss army knives.

Bucket

Honey bee colonies require different kinds of feeders in order to remain strong. While different models can help prevent robbing and drowning more effectively than others, the primary goal should always be preserving bee numbers by choosing an effective feeder that does not leak sugar water – otherwise this encourages ants into the hive as well as could potentially alter air pressure dramatically enough to cause collapse of its contents.

DIY bee feeders can be created easily using a large Ziplock bag filled with 1:1 sugar syrup and cut with a razor blade into an L shape for placement on the bars of a hive box. This simple solution is cost-effective, simple to create and less likely to cause robbing among colonies than open feeders – however it should only use honey from its own colony when feeding this way as this will protect from diseases that could potentially wipe out bee colonies altogether.

Boardman feeder

The Boardman feeder is a plastic feeding tray designed to fit into the entrance of any standard hive and accommodate one jar of sugar syrup, complete with pre-punched 70mm holes that screw securely to any regular-quart-sized Mason type jar (jar not included).

This feeder makes it simple and straightforward to monitor feed levels without opening your hive. Simply fill it with sugar syrup or pollen patties until the next natural nectar flow arrives, or use it for spring/stimulative feedings that encourage queen bees to begin laying again.

This type of feeder should not be used during cold weather as bees must travel a great distance to reach it – this could cause them to lose energy and die more frequently. If using one in cold conditions, be sure to add a shim underneath to prevent it from shifting or shifting out of position.

Mesh feeder

A mesh feeder can help your baby learn to chew and swallow solid foods without fear of choking, and is particularly helpful for babies who struggle to transition from bottles to spoons. Furthermore, its strength-building benefits may help them develop strength coordination endurance necessary for chewing food properly.

These easy to use feeders can be used from five months onwards. Simply place chunks of fruit or vegetables in the bag and let your little one gnaw away at it to create their own mushy food! All skin and seeds remain inside so there is less risk of choking.

Some parents add frozen breastmilk cubes or chilled fruits to mesh feeders to aid with teething and help cool their baby down, while also serving as an enjoyable and safe way of introducing new flavors without fear of choking risks.