A top feeder is an effective way of feeding syrup directly to bees without disturbing their colony. This feeder holds large volumes of syrup, and features inserts designed as ladders to prevent bees from drowning in their own nectar supply.
These feeders are inexpensive to build and can save you time traveling back and forth to smaller feeders for refills. Construct them out of clear pine or knotty pine boards; hardware cloth costs are minimal.
Contents
Design
This polystyrene feeder holds 3 gallons of sugar syrup. It’s designed as an all-in-one unit and makes refilling easy without bees flying out, while its large capacity reduces refill frequency. Bees access point is separated from bulk feed by Plexiglas panel that some beekeepers roughen up using 80-grit sandpaper for improved grip; plus this style does not require full inner cover since bees enter through outer cover.
As this feeder sits inside the hive, it is easier to monitor than frame or entry feeders; refilling only involves taking off its lid and inner cover, leaving bees undisturbed by this process. Top feeders must also be closely monitored for bee theft and moisture buildup issues; otherwise gravity could pool syrup beneath it and prevent access by bees.
Materials
Make a hive-top feeder using some basic materials found at most lumber yards, including clear pine which is inexpensive and readily available, knotty pine (even less costly!) and hardware cloth to prevent bees from climbing the sides and entering your hive.
There are various top feeders on the market. One popular type is the baggie feeder, which utilizes plastic feed bags that can be delicately cut open for bee entry. Although they’re relatively affordable, frequent refilling may be required and they are vulnerable to theft by robbers.
Another alternative is a frame feeder, a box-like container shaped like an individual frame and installed into one or two frames in the brood box. Easy to fill, these feeders include an inner raft that keeps bees from drowning while cracking can occur over time and they must be checked regularly; frame feeders make good additions for packages or new colonies but should be removed once foraging begins.
Capacity
As opposed to frame feeders that require removal from hive when filling them up, this design’s wide inlet opening makes refilling faster and simpler. A screened surface in the center chimney also helps prevent bee drowning while its rapid feed system makes feeding large volumes of syrup possible in short amounts of time – crucial when starting new colonies or providing winter stores for existing colonies.
Hive-top feeders provide shelter from sun, wind and rain which reduces the chance of syrup spillage and mold growth. Furthermore, they’re easy to monitor and can even be used to administer medication if necessary – something frame feeders inside a hive cannot. They’re also easy to refill without disturbing the colony, reducing your need for smoke while decreasing chances of being stung! These specialized feeders come in sizes that fit both 8- and 10-frame Langstroth equipment; though more costly upfront, their efficiency could more than pay dividends later when refilling is saved time when refilling!
Installation
On the market today there are various top feeders. While some might be more costly than others, most will fit 10-frame hives while some are designed for 8 frames only and can even feature end screened systems to protect bees from drowning too quickly.
Hive top feeders can be found positioned either directly on the inner cover or directly over frames in a hive, providing easy and non-disruptive access for bees to fill their reservoir with honey or syrup. Refilling is quick and effortless.
Some hive top feeders feature built-in feet to raise the jar up, helping minimize heat loss within the hive and deterring raccoons from raiding it. An empty deep super can cover it to protect it from elements, making this type of feeder ideal for warmer areas where honey production begins early each spring; installing this feeder early also makes for a good option when starting new colonies with package bees.
