There are many different types of hive top feeders on the market. Some come in sets of two, making it easier to tend to more than one hive. Others are transparent, allowing you to see the liquid level. Obviously, you’ll want to avoid feeding your bees in jars that aren’t transparent. Also, be sure to buy a feeder with a bee cap, so you don’t have to worry about sticking lids or rusty lids.
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Ceracell
The Ceracell hive top feeder is an extra durable, hive-top feeder that sits on top of the honey super and underneath the hive’s lid. This feeder is easy to refill and offers easy access to the sugar syrup in the corners of the hive and through the central chimney. It is made of sturdy Australian hoop pine and comes in different sizes.
This feeder has a special design to prevent the bees from flying out, drowning, or becoming entangled in the contents of the syrup box. It has two small openings on the end, and small sheet metal swings open and closed to allow access to the bees. While the bees normally remain inside the hive, you may need to refill the top feeder during cold weather, when it is unsafe to remove the bees.
Mikimiqi
The Mikimiqi bee feeder is a lightweight, durable plastic feeder with a one-gallon capacity. Its design makes it easy to wipe clean and refill with food and water. Its design also ensures that no rival bees can get in, keeping your hive healthy and productive. The feeder also has a ladder for easy access.
It fits a variety of hive boards. It can be mounted directly on the top of the hive or can be encased in the empty top cover. If you don’t want to expose the syrup to the air, you can use a cover that fits over the top of the feeder. External hive top feeders can store a large amount of syrup, but they are heavy and can cause syrup to spill all over. If you don’t want to deal with messy, moldy syrup, try using plastic pails.
Toughtimbers
The Toughtimbers hive top feeding system is a simple yet efficient solution for feeding your bees. It is easy to use and features several compartments for easy syrup access. It is designed for use in 10-frame hives and ships glued and stapled. It weighs 15 pounds and has a capacity of two gallons. The top feeder also fits most hive frames.
This top feeder has several compartments and floats. It fits on top of an 8 or 10-frame Langstroth hive. It comes in a pre-assembled and ready-to-install package and is available in two different sizes.
Airsnigi
There are several different types of hive top feeders. These are used to supplement the food supply of a hive or build up stocks in the winter. They can also be used as a source of water for thirsty hives. For the best results, place the feeder near the entrance so that thirsty bees can refill themselves and stay hydrated. A good tip is to squeeze the bottle gently to add a little substance to the floor of the feeder. This will attract more attention from the bees.
The Airsnigi is a round-top feeder made of high-quality plastic. The design fits comfortably in the existing holes in the crown board. You can install it either outside the entrance or at the top. It is easy to install and doesn’t disturb the bees during feeding.
Mann Lake
If you are looking for a good hive top feeder, Mann Lake offers a selection of products that will meet your needs. These include a variety of frames for your beehive, which come in varying sizes and colors. You can also purchase hive frames that are unassembled and ready for use.
If you are just getting started with beekeeping, you should plan your bee feeder ahead of time. You’ll need time to find the right size. You need to take measurements of your frames and hive so that you can determine which feeder is the right size. Remember that you will have a young colony in your hive and they’ll need time to find food and water. Using a top feeder can help them get the nutrition they need.
Mann Lake is one of the most popular names in beekeeping, and they produce and distribute high-quality equipment. They are known for their reliability, and they have great prices as well.