There are several types of feeders available on the market today. There are Frame feeders, Pollen feeders, Contact feeders, and Syrup feeders. These feeders are very lightweight, cheap, and easy to store in a van. They sit inside a brood box and have a raft-like float so that bees don’t drown.
Contents
Plastic frame feeders
Plastic frame feeders are designed to hold four liters of syrup. They are placed on the edge of the brood chamber and are used in spring and fall. These feeders are made of heavy duty polypropylene plastic and are leak proof. They are also made with a no-leak reservoir.
These feeders are ideal for feeding colonies in cold weather. They hold a lot of food, and are a great choice during winter months when the temperature dips below twenty degrees. A quality plastic frame feeder should last five years or more, without cracking or warping. They should also be able to feed the colony for at least two months during the winter months.
Using plastic frame feeders means that you can keep your honey bees happy and healthy. These feeders are food-safe, which means they won’t contaminate the honey you produce. Plastic frame feeders come with a cap, ladders, and a cap that keeps bees from drowning. These frames also have holes for the bees to access the syrup easily.
Pollen feeders
If you’re planning to raise honey bees, you may want to consider buying or making your own pollen feeders. These are inexpensive and easy to make. Beekeepers often use these pollen feeders to supplement natural pollen sources. They also serve as a great source of protein, especially in early Spring when colonies may be rapidly building and running out of stored protein.
There are several types of rapid feeders. Some are made of plastic, and they are often made to be placed inside the broodbox or super. They have a hole in the centre so that the bees can easily feed. These feeders are also designed to sit inside the brood box, and have a trail of syrup dripping down the side.
Contact feeders
Contact feeders are containers that have gauze windows and perforations to prevent syrup from dripping out. Beekeepers can purchase contact feeders in different sizes or make them at home. They are most useful during the spring and early summer, when the bees are not able to climb the stairs to feed. You must place the feeder over the top bars of the brood box, and pack around it to prevent it from tipping over.
Another type of feeder is a boardman feeder, which you place inside your hive. This type of feeder is similar to a pail feeder except that it holds more than two gallons of food. You will need to check the level of the hive before placing the feeder to avoid drips and trickling.
Syrup feeders
Beekeepers typically use an inverted container above the frames and super of their hives, as this prevents robbers from stealing the honey. Alternatively, they can use a pail feeder, which is easy to fill and transport. In addition, it is easy to clean. If you decide to use a pail feeder, you should choose one that has a large enough opening for the bees to access the syrup.
Internal hive-top feeders are also available, which fit on top of the brood boxes. These are often heavier than the external ones, and contain a large amount of syrup. However, they are not ideal for cold weather, since the liquid may freeze and the bees may not be able to reach them.
Pail feeders
Pail feeders are a great way to provide honey bees with fresh, high-quality sugar syrup. They are available in different sizes and contain two small holes that the bees can drink through. This type of feeder is great for feeding a colony during the winter months. These feeders require frequent refilling and are best used in regions where winters are cold.
Pail feeders are easy to use and are an inexpensive way to feed honey bees. They are similar to jar feeders, but are larger and require less refills. In addition, they require less cleanup. Make sure to purchase a non-leeching, BPA-free pail to avoid leaks. Once filled, beekeepers invert the pail to create a vacuum and place the feeder on top of frames. The inner cover should be removed before placing a pail feeder in a hive, to avoid robbing.
