A winter feeder box for bees is an addition to the hive that is placed immediately above the bee boxes. Usually this box is placed under a moisture absorber. It is then filled with dry wood chips or other absorbent material to help trap moisture from the air and drips from the hive. Bees will prefer to feed on these dry food sources, rather than the artificial food available in supermarkets.
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Be sure to choose the right feeder for your bees
A feeder is essential for attracting bees, and you can make this task much easier by choosing the right material. Bees are very persistent, and will seek out unclean sources of water such as stagnant ditch water, slimy flower pots, muddy mole holes, and a pile of wet leaves. If you want to attract bees, however, you should set up the source before your bees establish a routine.
Pollen is a good source of protein
In many parts of the country, providing pollen substitutes will help keep bee colonies healthy and thrive. Last summer was especially difficult in the West, where drought snuffed out forage supplies early. Without supplementation, many beekeepers saw their colonies suffer. Fortunately, pollen can be a good source of protein for winter feeder boxes for bees.
Sugar syrup is a good source of lipids
It is possible to use a leakproof container to supply sugar sirup outside of the hive. It is important to use a sturdy feeder with a lid. Place the feeder above the combs and cover it. Bees can stand on rocks, wood, and Spanish moss. An open feeder needs a cover to protect it from precipitation, so that wild animals and birds do not get inside.
Hard candy is best
To create a candy feeder, you will need a piece of half-inch plywood to form the inner cover. You can then nail a one-quarter-inch rail around the edges of the plywood to form a tray. Place the candy-side down in the tray. Cover the inner and outer cover with a layer of plastic wrap. When the weather is warm, the bees will move up into the candy board feeder area.
Honey B Healthy is a bee feeding stimulant
If you are having trouble keeping your colony alive during winter, try using Honey B Healthy as a feeding stimulant. This product contains essential oils and can be applied as a drench during times of nectar dearth or when you can’t find enough honey to feed the bees. It can also be used as a feeding supplement during a nectar dearth to build up packages or calm down weak colonies. It is produced in the USA, in a licensed food manufacturing laboratory under strict cGMP guidelines.
Plastic frame feeders are prone to warping
In addition to their tendency to warp, plastic frame winter feeder boxes for bees are not always a good choice. These boxes are often difficult to remove due to their frail design. Bees often build up combs inside, reducing the capacity of the feeder and drowning them. A plastic frame winter feeder box can also warp, making it hard to remove and reducing feed capacity. Additionally, it can lead to drone combs forming on the frame next to it.
Hive Doctor Top Feeder is a good winter feeder
If you’re planning to keep bees during the winter, you should consider using a top feeder box, such as the Hive Doctor TopFeeder. The Hive Doctor Top Feeder is an excellent choice, as it fits over the top of the beehive box and features a tray and cover. Bees will access the sugar in the tray, which is kept out of sight. You can also use the Hive Doctor Top Feeder late at night without worrying about disturbing your bees.
