Feeders can be useful tools in an apiary, but should never be used to replace natural nectar sources like flowers. Incorrect use can lead to bee deaths.
External hive-top feeders consist of an inverted container placed over the entrance in either an inner cover or empty super. Such containers may become quite heavy during wetter weather and could float away on rainy days.
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Hive top feeders
The Hive Top Feeder snaps onto mason jars you already own at home and is easy to refill; plus it comes in packs so that when they need refilling they’re easier than ever! Additionally, its integrated monitoring capability enables you to keep an eye on feed levels without opening your hive!
A gallon feeder designed to fit over the inner cover of your hive and accommodate liquid feed is provided here. It has several steps inside, which allow bees access to syrup inside. Furthermore, its outer edges have been given texture so as to provide bees with a firm grip as they climb the feeder to consume its contents.
This feeder is easier to fill and monitor than entrance feeders, plus more resistant to environmental elements, making it less likely to mold or freeze over time. It makes an excellent option for new beekeepers until their colonies are self-sustaining enough for feeding without support.
Spacer rim feeders
Beekeepers’ most preferred type of feeder, these brood frames measure roughly the same as a brood frame and fit perfectly within your hive. Furthermore, they come equipped with both a feeding tray and inverted syrup container – two important features which protect feed from being stolen by invaders while being easy to monitor and refill.
However, one major drawback of these feeders is that they can quickly become wet and soggy, drawing in unwanted wildlife such as birds, squirrels, or raccoons that may then cause further disruption by getting stuck to their surfaces or being blown off by wind gusts or simply dislodging themselves altogether.
Bees may find these feeders unsuitable to use; their open nature invites disease, parasites and pests into your beehives that could harm them and weaken their numbers over time. To minimize this problem, consider switching out for something safer like a rim spacer or screened bottom board instead.
Entrance feeders
These feeders sit atop the entrance and are most commonly seen on Langstroth hives (though some beekeepers have used them with Warre and Top Bar hives as well). Their easy monitoring makes them perfect for Langstroths; you can see how much syrup remains without opening the hive itself.
Bee feeders typically consist of an inverted syrup container which fits securely into a tray for feeding, making refilling and displace the bees easy and safe. Furthermore, they’re secured against potential robbers as well as winter feeding needs.
Frame feeders are similar to entrance feeders in that they fit inside of a Langstroth hive body box by replacing one of its frames. These types of feeders are popular supplemental feeding solutions because they allow bees to feed at their leisure during peak production periods instead of feeling pressured to consume all at once. It is essential that frame feeder designs include built-in floats to avoid drowning.
Bucket feeders
These feeders operate by placing an inverted 1-gallon pail over the entrance hole in the inner cover, then inverting it. Bees come up through the lid to feed, with some syrup dripping down to them while they consume their meal. This method of bee feeding has proven reliable.
Pail feeders are easy and cost-effective solutions, providing quick syrup supply in spring when beekeepers most require it, and as autumn becomes colder. But beekeepers must exercise extreme care so as not to flood their bees with too much nectar-rich syrup and cause drowning incidents.
Sugar feeders provide protection from robbers while being easy to use and clean. Sugar syrup feeders can also be used for pollen patties; however, due to Small Hive Beetle reproduction they have fallen out of favor in Southeast markets.
