Foxhound bee feeder sets offer multiple feeders to save both money and time. Their classic front feeder design fits most commonly used syrup jars perfectly.
Bees pollinate an enormous portion of food supplies worldwide; yet their decline has become a serious challenge.
Contents
Entrance Feeders
There are various methods for feeding bees, depending on the type of hive you own. Entrance feeders sit in front of the hive and use slots for bee access – these work best with Warre hives; while hive top feeders (hive lid feeders) use an entrance hole in their lid to allow access for bees; frame feeders or division board feeders sit inside your hive using panels with slots to allow bees access syrup.
Foxhound Bee Company feeders are an attractive solution, featuring classic front feeder designs that fit most commonly-sized syrup jars and designed to work in 10- and 8-frame wooden hives. You can easily monitor syrup levels without opening your hive while helping prevent robbers from accessing your bees, add mite treatments quickly, and save both time and money when feeding their bees. A good option for beekeepers looking to save both time and money when feeding bees!
Bottom Feeders
Located atop a hive and aligned with an inner cover hole, this feeder consists of a container–usually mason jar–for bees to climb into and feed from. One advantage is that syrup doesn’t spoil as quickly; also drowning risk can be reduced because bees can maintain their grip while climbing into the jar.
However, one downside of this method is an increased risk of robber bees accessing the syrup. Furthermore, this requires special lids to protect it against blow-off during high winds; furthermore it may be difficult to assess when refills are needed and difficult to assess whether jars will freeze over during Winter feedings leaving emergency feedings inaccessible.
Top Feeders
An inside top feeder differs from entrance feeders in that it is protected from weather elements and robber bees, typically placed inside an empty hive box to give access while protecting it from rain, wind or sun.
Homestead Essentials offers an assortment of hive top feeders designed for different size hives. Their translucent tanks make it easy to see when syrup levels run low and can be quickly replenished without disturbing bees. Their feeders also make an excellent addition to new colonies quickly due to being quickly adaptable to their new homes.
Frame feeders, an in-hive feeder that replaces one of the frames in the hive, may also be an option. Equipped with floats to protect bees from drowning and filled with sugar syrup or dry sugar for filling purposes, some beekeepers use frame feeders in addition to entrance feeders to add to their beehive’s reserves before winter arrives.
Waterers
Bees tend to find enough water through natural foraging sources; however, at times they require assistance. Sugar water feedings can be used as a great way to enhance early spring build-up, meet a fall shortage, and supplement their diet during the winter months.
Beekeepers typically lure bees to drink with sugar, but you can add other elements to make the watering hole more interesting for bees – for instance, some add spoonfuls of chlorine bleach or drops of anise oil for increased bee appeal.
This top feeder fits neatly onto any medium-size box (10 or 8 frames). With its large 1-gallon tank made of translucent plastic and its easy-to-see indicator light for when refills are necessary, as well as its automatic valve to maintain uniform syrup level, this feeder can be removed and refilled without disturbing bees or being in any way disruptive to their activity. Useful both alone or alongside another frame feeder!
