Barrel feeding means giving bees sugar syrup from a large container, such as a barrel or drum, placed in an apiary so many colonies can take it at once. It is a fast way to feed many hives, but it is risky: open feeding encourages robbing, spreads disease and can drown bees. Most beekeepers get better results feeding each hive with its own feeder.
When bees need feeding
- Spring build-up: a thin 1:1 syrup (equal parts sugar and water by weight or volume) stimulates brood rearing when forage is scarce.
- Fall: a thick 2:1 syrup (two parts sugar to one part water) helps colonies store winter reserves.
- Dearth periods when little is blooming, and for new packages or swarms.
Use plain white cane sugar and water. Do not use brown sugar, honey from unknown sources or molasses. Honey from unknown colonies can carry disease, and other sweeteners can upset bees’ digestion.
The problem with barrel (open) feeding
- Robbing: a big open source of sugar draws bees from every colony and from wild hives, causing fights at weak entrances.
- Disease spread: bees from many colonies mix at one site, which can spread American foulbrood spores and other pathogens.
- Drowning: bees fall in without floats, and uneaten syrup ferments or molds.
- No control: you cannot tell how much each colony took.
If you do use a barrel or bulk feeder
- Fill the container with floats such as wood chips, sticks or screening so bees can stand without drowning.
- Place it at least 30 to 50 feet away from the hives, and refill it only in the evening.
- Skip open feeding when nectar is scarce, since robbing is worst then.
- Rinse and refill regularly to prevent mold.
- Check local rules, because some areas restrict open feeding.
Safer feeder options
- Entrance feeders (Boardman): an inverted jar at the entrance; easy to check but invite robbing.
- Top (hive-top) feeders: hold a gallon or more inside the hive, with less robbing risk.
- Frame feeders: sit in the box and hold syrup close to the cluster.
- Jar or bucket feeders placed over the inner cover hole inside an empty box.
Our guide to bee feeder types covers more options. For recipes, see ambrosia syrup and the guide to dry bee feed.
Bottom Line
Barrel feeding saves time but raises the risk of robbing and disease. Feed 1:1 syrup in spring and 2:1 in fall with plain white sugar, and for most apiaries, use an in-hive feeder instead.
