Entrance feeders are a popular choice for beekeepers to provide sugar syrup to their colonies due to their convenience in monitoring and refilling. However, they come with certain risks, particularly during times of nectar scarcity, as they can attract robbing behavior from other colonies. For weaker colonies, this can be detrimental. Pro feeders, on the other hand, offer a safer alternative by being placed inside the hive, reducing the risk of robbing and drowning, and providing a more controlled feeding environment. The choice of feeder should consider the colony's strength and the current availability of natural nectar sources.
Key Points Explained:
-
Convenience of Entrance Feeders:
- Entrance feeders are easy to use and allow beekeepers to monitor the syrup level without opening the hive. This makes refilling straightforward and minimizes disturbance to the bees.
-
Risks Associated with Entrance Feeders:
- During a dearth, when natural nectar is scarce, entrance feeders can attract robbing behavior from stronger colonies. This can be particularly harmful to weaker colonies, as they may lose their stored food and become stressed or even collapse.
-
Recommended Usage of Entrance Feeders:
- Entrance feeders are best used during periods of abundant natural nectar sources when the risk of robbing is low. This ensures that the bees can benefit from the supplementary feeding without the associated risks.
-
Advantages of Pro Feeders:
- Pro feeders are designed to be placed inside the hive, replacing a normal frame. They hold a significant amount of syrup and are easy to refill. The cap and ladder system seals the feeding tubes, reducing the risk of bees drowning and keeping the feed safe from pests and other colonies.
-
Choosing the Right Feeder:
- The decision to use an entrance feeder or a pro feeder should be based on the colony's strength and the current environmental conditions. For weaker colonies or during periods of nectar scarcity, pro feeders are a safer and more effective option.
-
Monitoring and Maintenance:
- Regardless of the type of feeder used, regular monitoring and maintenance are crucial. Beekeepers should ensure that the feeders are clean, filled, and functioning properly to support the health and growth of the colony.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Entrance Feeders | Pro Feeders |
|---|---|---|
| Placement | Outside the hive | Inside the hive |
| Convenience | Easy to monitor and refill | Easy to refill, holds more syrup |
| Robbing Risk | High during nectar scarcity | Low |
| Drowning Risk | Moderate | Low |
| Best Use Case | Periods of abundant natural nectar | Weaker colonies or nectar scarcity periods |
Need help choosing the right feeder for your bees? Contact our experts today for personalized advice!
