The round hive top feeder can be effectively repurposed for open feeding of pollen in a bee yard by placing it in an empty hive body, making it accessible to multiple colonies. This method allows beekeepers to supplement pollen when natural sources are scarce, supporting colony health and productivity. The feeder's capacity of approximately 3 pounds of pollen makes it practical for shared use. While typically designed for internal feeding of a single colony, its simple design facilitates adaptation for open feeding with minimal modifications.
Key Points Explained:
-
Adapting the Feeder for Open Pollen Feeding
- The in hive feeder is traditionally used for internal syrup or pollen feeding within a single hive. However, by placing it in an empty hive body in a central location, it becomes accessible to multiple colonies in the yard.
- This setup mimics natural pollen sources, encouraging foraging behavior while reducing competition at individual hive entrances.
-
Placement and Accessibility
- Position the empty hive with the feeder at ground level or on a stand to allow easy access for bees from all directions.
- Ensure the feeder is sheltered from wind and rain to prevent pollen spoilage. A hive lid or shim can provide protection while allowing bee entry.
-
Feeder Capacity and Pollen Preparation
- The feeder holds ~3 pounds of pollen, sufficient for short-term supplementation. For prolonged use, refill every 2–3 days to maintain freshness.
- Mix dry pollen with a small amount of sugar syrup or honey to create a crumbly consistency, preventing clumping and facilitating easy uptake by bees.
-
Advantages Over Traditional Open Feeding Methods
- Reduces robbing behavior compared to open trays, as the hive structure limits direct exposure.
- Protects pollen from contamination by debris or pests, as the feeder’s design shields contents while allowing bee access.
-
Seasonal Considerations
- Ideal for early spring or late fall when natural pollen is scarce. Monitor colony activity to adjust feeding frequency based on demand.
- Avoid overfeeding, which can attract pests like ants or wasps. Clean the feeder regularly to prevent mold growth.
-
Comparison to Internal Feeding
- Unlike internal feeding (where the feeder sits directly on a colony’s brood box), open feeding requires vigilance to ensure equitable access among colonies.
- Stronger colonies may dominate the feeder, so additional empty hives with feeders can be spaced throughout the yard to distribute traffic.
By leveraging the round hive top feeder’s versatility, beekeepers can efficiently support multiple colonies during critical pollen shortages, fostering healthier and more resilient bee populations. Have you considered how this method might integrate with other supplemental feeding strategies in your apiary?
Summary Table:
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Feeder Adaptation | Place in an empty hive body for multi-colony access. |
| Placement Tips | Ground-level or stand placement; shelter from wind/rain. |
| Pollen Preparation | Mix with sugar syrup for crumbly consistency (~3 lbs capacity). |
| Advantages | Reduces robbing, protects pollen from debris/pests. |
| Seasonal Use | Best in early spring/late fall; monitor activity to adjust feeding. |
| Comparison to Internal Use | Requires spacing to prevent dominance by strong colonies. |
Upgrade your apiary’s pollen feeding strategy with a versatile round top feeder—contact HONESTBEE for wholesale solutions tailored to commercial beekeepers and distributors.
Products You Might Be Looking For:
Shop high-capacity round top feeders for efficient pollen distribution
