Using a mason jar hive top feeder is a great way to feed your bees, but it can also be a great way to protect them from the elements. Read on to learn how to secure your top feeder from the robbers and the elements.
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Sugar water
Whether you’re a novice beekeeper or a seasoned veteran, sugar water for mason jar hive top feeder is a great way to feed your bees. The sugar water is great for feeding newly formed colonies and for bees that are unable to forage. It’s also a great way to get your hive ready for winter.
The most common recipe for bee feeding involves mixing a little sugar with water. The recipe may vary from batch to batch but the sugar and water mix should be hot enough to dissolve the sugar. It should also feel like making sandcastles in the summer.
One of the easiest ways to feed sugar water to your bees is to use an entrance feeder. The entrance feeder is a simple jar that sits at the entrance to the hive. This is a good method to use if you want to discourage robbing by bees and wasps.
Inverted jar/can feeder
Using an inverted jar/can feeder for mason jar hive top minimizes robbing and spoilage. By placing the feeder upside down, the liquid will form a vacuum. This vacuum can be used to collect syrup. The bees are able to access the syrup without opening the feeder.
You can make your own inverted jar feeder for mason jar hive by making holes in the lid. You will need an adjustable circle cutter, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. You will also need a small finish nail, which you can puncture through the lid.
You can use the lid of a mason jar or a regular quart-sized glass jar for this project. The advantage of using a jar is that it is easy to clean.
Some hobbyists will use an inverted gallon jar for this project. However, you will need to make sure that the jar does not leak. If it does, you will have to replace the hive top.
Boardman feeder
Using a Boardman feeder is an easy way to provide a steady stream of sugar water to your bees. This is an especially important benefit if you live in an area where it’s difficult to get fresh water. This will prevent your bees from drowning and will also help to keep them nourished.
The Boardman feeder is a white plastic feeding tray that fits a standard quart sized canning jar. It is raised off the bottom of the hive. It is attached to a metal lid with 70mm holes. The lid is designed to allow for easy access to the inside of the hive.
The Boardman Entrance Feeder is a good idea and is easy to install. It comes with a perforated metal cap that fits a standard mason jar. You can also buy additional caps for quick changes.
Glass jars
Using glass jars for hive top feeders is an easy way to keep your bees hydrated. However, if you don’t use a jar with a tight-fitting lid, you may put the bees at risk. In addition, leaking sugar water can cause ant problems in your hives.
For maximum effectiveness, choose a quart-sized glass jar. The mason jar is a popular choice.
In addition to the jar, you will need a lid to hold the sugar syrup. The lids for plastic jars may soften and allow leaks. Glass jars are preferable, especially for their longevity.
A quart-sized jar should be filled with at least three-quarters of a gallon of syrup. You can use more than one jar at a time, but be sure the lids are tight. Also, test the seal to see if any liquid has leaked out.
Protecting a mason jar hive top feeder from robbers and the elements
Whether you’re protecting a mason jar hive top feeder from robbers or the elements, there are several options available to you. These feeders can vary in size and design, but they all have a few common features.
An entrance feeder is a bee feeder that allows honey bees to access food without opening the hive. These feeders can be placed on the floor inside the hive or on top of the inner cover. You can also use a frame feeder instead of an entrance feeder.
A frame feeder replaces one of the frames in a Langstroth hive. The frame feeder isn’t as vulnerable to robbers, but it can be difficult to check the feed levels. It’s best to inspect the hive itself to see if there’s enough feed in the hive.
