Beekeepers use bee feeders to help their bees survive when food is scarce or when introducing new colonies into the hive. When temperatures drop and food supply becomes scarce, these tools can come in handy.
Beekeepers have several options for feeders. Some are more effective than others.
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They are inside the hive
One of the best ways to feed sugar syrup to honey bees is with a division board feeder. They offer an efficient and cost-effective means of providing liquid food for honey bees.
These feeders, about the size of a brood frame, can be placed inside the hive instead of a frame and have become an increasingly popular option for beekeepers who want to provide their bees with extra food during winter and spring months.
They are a popular option because they keep liquid feed close to the warm cluster of bees in the hive, helping them maintain energy during cold weather. Furthermore, new colonies may benefit from using these tools more quickly to establish themselves.
To ensure these feeders work optimally, they must be filled regularly. Fortunately, there are several options for maintaining stock levels of nectar: hive top feeders and entrance feeders can both be utilized.
They are easy to refill
Division board feeder bees are an ideal solution for beekeepers who need to feed their hives in times of limited resources. Not only are these feeders easy to refill, but they can store a surprising amount of syrup.
These feeders can be placed inside a Langstroth hive in place of one of the frames and filled with syrup for easy monitoring and removal without disturbing the bees.
They’re especially handy if you have a large number of hives and don’t want to spend time opening each one every time you need sugar. Furthermore, beekeepers who want their colonies healthy and strong should consider using these containers.
No matter the type of bee feeder you use, be sure to make sure it’s empty before leaving for the day. This will help avoid robbing and ensure your bees receive enough sugar syrup.
They are easy to clean
The division board feeder is easy to clean since it’s located inside the hive and its syrup isn’t exposed to air. This also reduces the chance that sugar could drip or leak onto bees and make them ill.
Another advantage of the division board feeder is its capacity to store a significant amount of syrup quickly. This enables beekeepers to keep their colonies active and successful.
Bee feeders of this type are frequently employed during the early stages of a new colony, as bees need time to gather resources and establish themselves within their new hive.
One of the most significant features of these bee feeders is that they are easy to refill. This can save time since there’s no need to open up the hive to check how much syrup remains in each container.
They are expensive
One major drawback of division board feeder bees is their cost. You must purchase both a hive top feeder and float for each hive you wish to install them on, making them an expensive investment.
These hive-top feeders are typically constructed of plastic or glass and feature holes on the upper outer lip that deliver a pool of sugar syrup when turned upside down. Beekeepers love them because they’re durable and can hold up to four gallons of syrup for a 10-frame hive.
Furthermore, these feeders are easier to refill than frame feeders since you don’t have to open the hive to place them inside. Furthermore, these are easy to clean and refilled without getting bees wet or disturbing them.
Open feeders can be an effective solution when there is a shortage of nectar or pollen nearby. However, these feeders could potentially spill, creating an unsafe situation and encouraging robbing by other beekeepers and animals.
