Beekeepers typically allow bees to feed themselves, but there may be instances in which supplemental feedings may be necessary. When blooms are beginning to fade in early Spring or in Fall as bees prepare for Winter, additional nutrition might be beneficial.
Create sugar water using a ratio of 2:1 (water:sugar). Either volumetric measurements or weight will work just fine.
Contents
1. Entrance feeders
Entrance feeders consist of a feeding tray designed to fit into the entrance of a hive and an inverted syrup container that rests inside it. Entrance feeders make monitoring feed levels easy, and refilling them requires just two steps; they’re also great for colder climates as bees may have trouble accessing their supplies due to freezing or otherwise. Unfortunately, however, entrance feeders can induce robbing. Furthermore, cold weather may make accessing their supplies impossible for bees due to freezing or not having enough access.
Bee feeders can be useful when introducing new colonies, like package bees. They can also help when bees need additional resources during winter preparations and need an additional source of sustenance. It should not be done too frequently however as overfeeding may reduce foraging ability and sustain itself naturally, also bee feeder sugar water may spoil quickly in direct sunlight; to maintain optimal results keep feeders close by the hive.
2. Hive top feeders
This type of feeder is highly user-friendly, as it can be installed without opening the hive. Consisting of an inverted container with holes for bee access, it holds large quantities of syrup easily while being simple to clean – perfect for helping new colonies establish themselves quickly or feeding during nectar dearths. These cost effective systems may even help your colony thrive!
Beekeepers benefit from feeders that keep bees within their hive by preventing robbing; bees don’t need to leave in cold temperatures when flying is compromised, which reduces robbing rates significantly. Furthermore, these feeders enable beekeepers to monitor sugar water ratios throughout the year for specific seasons; one drawback may be keeping jars free from mildewing – however boiling the syrup first can greatly help with this issue.
3. Hive bottom feeders
Feeding bees is often contentious. Doing it during winter or cold weather could send the wrong signal, prompting them to produce brood when conditions don’t allow for successful reproduction and potentially leading to robbing or pest problems.
When using an inefficient feeder, it can be hard to see exactly how much syrup remains in its container and must be opened daily, potentially disrupting hives while potentially exposing you to bee stings.
To create hive bottom feeders, pour sugar syrup into a plastic freezer bag until it is half full and cut several thin slits in its top edge. Place this inside the hive on its lower box near its entrance so bees can feed off of its nectar as they rest on its bars. These devices are called frame or division board feeders as they look similar to regular frames while needing some sort of flotation material so bees can access their food source.
4. Bottom feeders
Feeding bees sugar water requires more consideration and analysis than may initially appear, as improper preparation could make their bees sick or even kill them.
There are various approaches to feeding bees sugar water. Your best option will depend on your needs and resources; additionally, knowing the ideal ratios based on season will also be key.
Granulated white sugar dissolved in water can act like natural plant nectar, making it highly sweet and highly appealing to honey bees. Unfortunately, though, they cannot convert this syrup to honey as it doesn’t come from flowers, so it is vital that colonies are carefully monitored and only fed when necessary – overfeeding will increase risk for disease transmission as well as potential theft by other colonies.
