Supplementing the pollen supply of your colonies by giving them additional protein sources is a smart approach if their colonies are low on pollen. Beekeepers can do this through various means – some add small amounts of dry sugar in the back of their hive (not recommended with Screened Bottom Boards), or by providing bees with food supplements in various forms (for instance through Bee Friendly Feeders).
Others opt for creating a dry pollen feeder, which can be easily constructed at minimal expense if shared among several individuals.
Contents
Simple to make
Pollen feeders are an integral component of beekeeper feeding regimes. Honey bee colonies rely heavily on pollen as a protein source to produce brood, and in times when natural forage becomes scarcer, adding pollen from feeders can provide them with enough nutrition to see them through winter and into early Spring growth.
Bee pollen feeders can be created in several ways, with containers that will stay dry when it rains, deter other animals from nibbling it and allow bees to quickly access it being the ideal design. Some beekeepers purchase commercial feeders while others prefer creating their own at home.
Building a pollen feeder can be accomplished easily using a 4” piece of thin wall PVC pipe purchased at most home improvement stores and split among several beekeepers to keep costs reasonable. Thin wall PVC can also easily be cut using a hacksaw.
Affordable
Pollen feeders are used by beekeepers to feed pollen or pollen substitute to their honey bee colonies. They’re easy to make out of any number of materials, while some beekeepers choose commercially produced models while others opt to construct their own. No matter your choice, ensure it remains far enough from your hive so other animals won’t access it directly.
Supplying protein supplements to your honey bees is an integral component of keeping their colony healthy and productive. Bees require protein to raise baby bees, stimulate brood production, and raise baby bees themselves. Natural sources may become scarce during certain times of year; during such instances it’s helpful to provide pollen substitute feeders as natural forage can become scarce leading to decreased brood production rates. This is particularly relevant when living in areas with seasonal pollen dearths; without this extra source of forage brood production can slowdown significantly or stop altogether!
Easy to assemble
As a beekeeper, it’s essential that you have an emergency pollen supply plan in place in case natural sources produce too little to meet demand. Pollen provides bees with essential nourishment needed for their development as well as providing them with essential proteins needed for metamorphosis into fully-formed adult bees.
Boardman feeders provide an effective, economical method for feeding dry pollen. Consisting of a large jar with an airtight lid wider than its container’s height, this design makes a Boardman feeder perfect for bee feeders as it prevents moisture from spoiling their pollen supply.
Your feeder should be easily accessible while being protected from external influences, depending on your personal preference. Aim for somewhere that provides both of these characteristics simultaneously.
Easy to clean
One of the key challenges of beekeeping is providing enough pollen for your bees. While they do a fine job collecting their own, an additional source may be necessary, so many beekeepers choose to offer pollen substitutes during Fall and Winter when natural forage may be limited. This can help boost brood production when natural forage runs short.
This feeder boasts a wide opening for easy filling and cleaning, plus rust protection that’s essential if your location experiences high humidity or rainfall. You can hang this feeder using an S hook from either the ground or tree branch.
This project is relatively inexpensive and only requires minimal supplies. PVC pipes can be purchased at home improvement stores or garage sales; or old pipes can even be salvaged at thrift stores! Thin walled PVC is easy to cut using a hacksaw.
