To use a plastic bag feeder effectively, start by filling a plastic freezer bag about halfway with sugar syrup. Squeeze the bag carefully to expel all the air, tie the neck securely with an elastic band, place it flat on the top bars of the hive frames, and use a small nail to punch 6 to 8 holes on the upper surface of the bag.
Core Principle: The Importance of Vacuum and Placement The safety of this method relies on removing air pockets and placing access holes strictly on the top. This setup utilizes vacuum pressure and surface tension to allow bees to draw syrup out without it leaking freely, which prevents drowning inside the hive or attracting robber bees from outside.
Step-by-Step Implementation
Preparing the Mixture
Select a sturdy plastic freezer bag to prevent tears. Fill the bag only partially—about half full—with your prepared sugar syrup. Overfilling makes the bag difficult to handle and increases the risk of spilling inside the hive.
Creating a Vacuum Seal
Before sealing the bag, you must remove the air. Squeeze the bag gently to push the air out until the liquid reaches the neck. Securely tie the neck of the bag with an elastic band to maintain this seal.
Placement in the Hive
Open the hive and place the filled bag flat on the top bars of the frames in the top box. The bag should lie beneath the hive cover. Ensure the bag is stable and does not roll off the frames.
Creating Access Points
Once the bag is in position, take a small nail and punch 6 to 8 small holes in the bag. It is critical that these holes are on the upper surface only. The bees will access the syrup through these holes; gravity and the bees' feeding action will draw the liquid up.
Ensuring Bee Space
Bees need physical space to walk on top of the bag to feed. Ensure there is adequate "bee space" between the top of the bag and the hive lid. You may need to add a wooden riser or an empty super to create this necessary headroom.
Understanding the Trade-offs and Risks
While plastic bag feeders are cost-effective and simple, they carry specific risks that must be managed to ensure colony health.
The Risk of Robbing
If the syrup leaks out too quickly, it can trigger "robbing." This occurs when bees from other colonies smell the exposed syrup and invade the hive to steal it. Keeping the holes on the top surface is the primary defense against this.
Weather Constraints
Liquid feed is temperature-sensitive. Do not use this method during cold weather when bees are unable to take cleansing flights. If the temperature is too low for bees to fly regularly, liquid syrup can cause dysentery; in these conditions, solid winter patties are the safer alternative.
Stability Issues
Unlike rigid feeders (such as jars or trays), a bag is flexible. If the hive is not level, the bag may shift. Furthermore, if the plastic is too thin, it may tear during placement, flooding the hive. Always use high-quality freezer bags.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
Using a feeder is not a routine task but a strategic intervention. Use the guidelines below to tailor your approach based on the colony's specific needs.
- If your primary focus is establishing a new colony (Spring): Use a 1:1 mixture (one part water to one part white sugar) to simulate nectar and stimulate wax production and hive establishment.
- If your primary focus is winter preparation (Fall): Feed only if the colony has failed to store enough honey due to poor environmental conditions, ensuring they have sufficient reserves before the cold sets in.
- If your primary focus is protecting the hive: Ensure you use a wooden riser or an empty box around the feeder to provide proper clearance and protect the setup from the elements.
Ultimately, the bag feeder is a temporary tool to bridge resource gaps, requiring careful installation to feed the bees without flooding them.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Requirement | Benefit/Safety Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Bag Type | Sturdy plastic freezer bag | Prevents accidental punctures and hive flooding. |
| Fill Level | 50% capacity | Ensures the bag lies flat and is easy to handle. |
| Seal Type | Vacuum (air-free) | Uses surface tension to prevent syrup from leaking. |
| Hole Placement | Upper surface only | Prevents gravity leaks and reduces the risk of robbing. |
| Seasonality | Warm weather only | Prevents bee dysentery and ensures syrup uptake. |
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