These feeders are used to quickly feed honey into bee colonies – especially during fall when large colonies can quickly gobble up all available feed. When employing such feeders it is crucial that hives be located on an angle so as to prevent pooling of water in their vicinity.
These type of feeders feature a tray with an inverted container of syrup, and are easy to monitor and refill without disturbing the bees. They work particularly well in Langstroth and Warre hives.
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Easy to use
There are various feeders on the market designed to feed bees quickly after harvesting or before winter sets in. They range in complexity, price and capacity but all offer similar services: feeding syrup/inverted sugar bee feed directly onto their cluster quickly for quick refeeding during spring. These feeders may even serve as stimulative feeders.
Plastic feeders are one of the easiest feeders to use, sitting atop of a hive over an inner cover hole. Bees access syrup through central holes on either side, passing over a graduated access chimney before finally emerging at a central hole containing more syrup. Refills for such feeders can easily be completed without having to suit up and open the hive, providing constant supplies of sugary goodness close to where bees reside.
One popular type is the Boardman feeder, which fits at the entrance and holds an inverted quart mason jar for rapid robbing but should only be used temporarily.
Simple design
Rapid round feeders are perfect for beginner beekeepers due to their straightforward design. They fit securely on top of hives underneath inner covers and can accommodate large quantities of syrup without leakage or spillage; also, this type of feeder can easily be monitored while being refilled without disrupting bees’ lives.
Frame feeders, named for their shape and design to fit within a brood box, are another popular type of feeder. This feeder features a float-like cap to prevent bees from drowning in syrup. In addition, there is a ladder which extends from its cap and limits access to main volumes of syrup; thus eliminating many problems like falling bees dying while creating more space in brood box and possibly leading to increased comb build up.
Some plastic frame feeders feature open access, while others feature a central hole and dome covered by ridged surfaces to give bees grip. This reduces bee access while still permitting beekeepers to easily take care of refilling without disrupting colony activity.
Easy to clean
There is a range of bird feeders available today to meet different feeding requirements, ranging from complex designs with intricate structures to those made out of simple material and easily maintained cylinders with several seed ports. Regular cleaning of your feeder is important in order to keep hulls and waste out of its feeding ports and reduce disease risks in birds.
Wood feeders require regular applications of linseed oil to keep their appearance. This is particularly essential with pine feeders, as their appearance tends to fade over time. Copper feeders should also receive frequent polishing or clear lacquer coating to preserve their looks and keep their unique shine.
Plastic rapid feeders feature a dish-style nectar reservoir below their feeding ports, making them easier to clean than bottle feeders with hard-to-reach spots higher up inside a skinny bottle. Furthermore, rapid feeders do not leak as often. Their dimensions also make them an excellent addition to crown boards, supers or brood boxes.
Easy to refill
There are various types of hive top feeders on the market, each offering its own advantages and drawbacks. Some models are simple and easy to maintain while others require extensive upkeep – which one you choose depends on your individual needs and how much syrup will be consumed.
These feeders, unlike frame feeders, sit directly on the hive top and can hold large quantities of syrup. They make an ideal option for beekeepers looking to feed quickly without opening their hives, nucs and Warre hives alike.
These feeders can be created from any inverted container such as a quart mason jar (like the Boardman feeder that comes with beginner kits), paint can with holes, plastic pail or even one-liter bottle. This method allows bees to access their syrup from all angles without fear of robbing and other issues associated with frame feeders.
