A bee baggie feeder is one of the best ways to attract honey bees to your home. It’s also one of the most inexpensive methods available. This is why many people opt for it.
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Gravity feeders
If you’re new to beekeeping, you may not know the different types of feeders available. There are several to choose from, but there are some common ones. Here’s a rundown of the different types, the benefits of each, and how to choose a feeder that is best for you.
The most common beekeeping feeders are bucket or can feeders. These are designed to keep a large quantity of syrup in a container that is easy to refill. This allows bees to feed themselves with less trouble.
A gravity feeder is a type of beekeeping feeder that uses vacuum pressure to deliver the syrup. It also requires careful mixing and dissolving of the sugar. They can be used as top feeders or entrance feeders.
Entrance feeders
A bee baggie entrance feeder is a great way to feed your bees. They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find the one that is right for your hive.
An entrance feeder is typically used to supply a small amount of syrup. This is enough to keep a bee colony occupied and to allow you to check resources without disturbing the bees.
Another type of feeder, called a frame feeder, is a fixed-location box made of rigid material. It can be placed on the top of a hive, or it can be put on the bottom. While it is less likely to be affected by atmospheric pressure, it can also cause problems with starvation during cold weather.
Frame feeders
For the beekeeper on a budget, a baggie frame feeder is a great solution. It carries two one-gallon plastic zip bags filled with syrup. These simple devices can be made from old supers or bought as a kit.
Unlike the old wooden frame feeders, the new plastic variety is pliable and warp-free. They also don’t need to be cleaned. As a result, they can be left inside the hive for a long time.
Some beekeepers even use these feeders instead of feeding directly from a hive. Frame feeders are available in various designs and sizes. The jars have a wide surface area and can be filled with a funnel.
Jay Smith bottom board feeder
The Jay Smith bottom board bee baggie feeder is a little different than the traditional feeder. It is made of a block of wood about 3/4″ by 3/4″ and is placed about 18″ forward of the back of the hive. The bees suck up the sugary goodness until it’s empty.
While the Jay Smith bottom board bee baggie feeder may have its perks, you’ll still have to put in the work to get it to work for you. Before you can put it in action, you’ll have to make room for it. A box is a good start. Alternatively, you can use a frame feeder. Some beekeepers opt for the shallow honey jars with the centre entrance.
Pollen from early blooming spring plants
If you want to encourage bees to visit your baggie feeder in the Spring, you’ll want to ensure they have something to eat when they arrive. Pollen from early blooming spring plants is a great source of energy for the bees.
Bees have many different methods of collecting pollen. One method is called traplining. They will collect the pollen and then carry it back to the hive. Another method is to plaster their tongues with saliva. This acts as a sealant, protecting the hive from moisture and fungi.
While some species of pollinators may ignore pollen, others will actually consume it. Some will even pierce a flower to take the nectar.
Avoiding robbing
Robbing is a problem that plagues beekeeping. It is usually found in late summer and fall, when a beekeeper has an urge to get into a colony. Keeping track of robbing early is important to prevent destruction of a colony.
There are several ways to avoid robbing. One way is by using a plastic freezer bag to place on the top bars of the frames. The bees will suck syrup through the holes in the bag. Another method is to use a sugar water feeder.
Some beekeepers prefer to use an inverted container to keep robbers out. These are typically placed above the super. This will help weak colonies, since they will have less access to the hive.
