In a Top Bar Hive system, feeding strategies are dictated by the physical state of the food source and the configuration of the follower board. Liquid feeding is accomplished using an inverted jar positioned behind a follower board that has been modified with an access hole. Conversely, solid feeding involves attaching sugar paste directly to a solid follower board, a method primarily used during colder months.
Top Bar Hive feeding relies on adapting the follower board to the season: use a pass-through system for liquid syrup during active months, and physically secure solid fondant to the board to prevent starvation when liquids would otherwise freeze.
The Mechanics of Liquid Feeding
The Inverted Jar Setup
For liquid nutrition, the standard approach involves an inverted jar equipped with a perforated lid.
This jar acts as a vacuum feeder, allowing syrup to drip slowly or be licked out by the bees without flooding the hive.
Utilizing the Follower Board
Crucially, the liquid feeder is not placed directly among the combs.
Instead, it is positioned behind a follower board.
This specific board must have a hole drilled into it, allowing the bees to pass through the partition to access the syrup while keeping the main colony separate from the feeder space.
Winter Strategies with Solid Feeders
Addressing Freezing Conditions
When temperatures drop, liquid syrup becomes viable to freeze, rendering it inaccessible or dangerous to the colony.
To solve this, beekeepers switch to solid fondant (sugar paste) feeders during the winter months.
Attachment and Security
Unlike the liquid setup, the solid feeder does not sit behind a partition.
The fondant is attached directly to a solid follower board.
To keep the food in place, the paste is secured to the board using rubber bands or mesh, ensuring the cluster has immediate access to food on the vertical surface.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Seasonal Reliability
The primary trade-off between these methods is environmental resilience.
Liquid feeders are efficient but fail in freezing temperatures.
Solid feeders are reliable in the cold but require manual attachment (mesh/bands) rather than simply refilling a container.
Hardware Modification
Liquid feeding requires a dedicated piece of equipment: a follower board with a hole.
If you only possess solid follower boards, you cannot utilize the behind-the-board jar method without modifying your equipment.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To select the correct feeding method for your Top Bar Hive, assess your current environmental conditions.
- If your primary focus is stimulating growth in warm weather: Use the liquid method with an inverted jar behind a follower board with an access hole for easy uptake.
- If your primary focus is winter survival: Switch to a solid fondant feeder attached to a solid follower board with mesh or rubber bands to prevent the food source from freezing.
Match your equipment to the season to ensure your colony has consistent, safe access to nutrition.
Summary Table:
| Feeding Method | Food Type | Follower Board Type | Best Season | Primary Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liquid Feeding | Sugar Syrup | Board with access hole | Spring/Summer | Stimulates brood growth |
| Solid Feeding | Fondant/Sugar Paste | Solid board (no hole) | Winter | Prevents freezing/starvation |
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