As is evident, there are multiple methods of feeding your bees. Here are a few popular choices: entrance feeders, frame feeders, pail feeders and division board feeders.
What feeder you choose depends on your hive setup and needs; for instance, larger feeders may be necessary during fall or spring when bees require more syrup.
Contents
1. Toughtimbers Hive Top Feeder
This feeder was specifically designed to fit over the entrance of a beehive for easy installation and monitoring from outside. Additionally, it can be combined with an entrance reducer to deter robbers.
This hive top feeder holds one gallon of sugar syrup in a clear plastic container for your bees to feed on throughout winter and into spring.
A simple design, this feeder features a spacer rim to accept any size mason jar and fill with your choice of syrup before placing in the feeder. Once it’s been added to the bees can siphon up what they need from it quickly refilled the bottle if need be – ideal for beginners or anyone who seeks an affordable way to feed hives! This feeder is recommended as an affordable solution that may also suit beginners looking to feed hive colonies quickly and efficiently.
2. 1.1 Pound Entrance Feeder
Bees are capable of foraging for nectar and pollen on their own, but sometimes need assistance to do so. The 1.1 Pound Entrance Feeder can provide this needed supplement during droughts or other times when bees cannot find natural sources.
This feeder features an upturned receptacle capable of holding one gallon of sugar water or syrup and is designed to keep out robbers. Compatible with standard mason jars, its open design also makes monitoring resource levels possible without opening your hive.
Simply slide this feeder between your bottom board and brood box and secure your jar using its perforated lid – perfect for all beekeepers with small or large apiaries! This entrance bee feeder offers excellent value.
3. 0.2 Pound Entrance Feeder
Feeding bees is often an emotive issue for beekeepers. Some believe that it’s best to let bees forage for themselves and only feed them when necessary, while others support providing nourishment when necessary.
This wooden Boardman entrance feeder makes providing your bees with sugar water easy. Simply slide it between the bottom board and brood chamber of your hive to monitor the level of syrup without opening up your hive!
This feeder employs an upturned jar with a lid to store sugar water or syrup. It comes equipped with an innovative base featuring small islands to prevent bees from drowning in it; perfect for spring and fall when food sources become limited; just remember only using white sugar as this mimics natural nectar collected by bees!
4. 0.2 Pound Hive Top Feeder
A hive top feeder works similarly to a division board feeder but sits inside of a beehive instead. Its design resembles that of a shallow box about the size of a brood frame that houses syrup; these feeders usually comprise plastic with hardware cloth on its surfaces that allows bees access without drowning them out.
Hive top feeders make monitoring resources simple as they don’t require opening up the hive to monitor resources. Plus, they are simple to maintain and refill when necessary.
This hive top feeder features two compartments that can be filled with either sugar syrup or dry sugar for easy filling, complete with floats to prevent bees from drowning and can even be used during winter! Perfect for new colonies or when resources are limited.
5. 0.2 Pound Hive Top Feeder with Floats
This hive top feeder can accommodate one gallon of syrup and comes equipped with floats to prevent drowning. Easy to use, this unit can be monitored without opening the hive and is durable enough to withstand harsh winter conditions.
An alternative hive top feeder is an inverted mason jar equipped with a screen at its base to keep bees from drowning, available both online and at stores. DIY versions can also be created by cutting pieces of mesh to fit over any mason jar lid lid and cutting it yourself! While easy to use, these feeders require frequent monitoring to avoid creating warm environments for robber bees that must be cleaned to prevent mold growth; regular maintenance might even involve reworking their floats for optimal performance.