At its core, the "inside the hive" Boardman feeder method is a modification of a standard entrance feeder. It involves placing the feeder's jar and base on top of the hive's inner cover, and then enclosing it with an empty hive box and an outer cover. This turns it into a makeshift top feeder, intended to reduce the risk of robbing.
While a Boardman feeder can be adapted for internal use, it's crucial to understand that its primary design is as an entrance feeder—a design that introduces significant risks to your colony's health and security.
How a Standard Boardman Feeder is Designed to Work
A Boardman feeder, also known as an entrance feeder, is one of the simplest and oldest designs for providing syrup to a honey bee colony.
The Components and Setup
The feeder consists of two main parts: a wooden or plastic base that slides into the hive entrance, and a standard screw-top jar (like a Mason jar). The jar's lid is perforated with small holes. To use it, you fill the jar with sugar syrup, screw on the perforated lid, and quickly invert it into the base at the hive entrance.
The Principle of Vacuum Pressure
The feeder works on the principle of a vacuum. When the jar is inverted, the syrup doesn't pour out all at once because the air pressure outside the jar is greater than the pressure of the syrup trying to exit. Bees can then access the syrup through the small holes in the lid, drinking from the small trough in the base. As they consume the syrup, a tiny amount of air enters the jar, allowing more syrup to descend.
The "Inside the Hive" Modification
The method you asked about is a popular adaptation designed to overcome the Boardman feeder's most significant flaws.
The Setup Process
Instead of placing the feeder at the entrance, the beekeeper removes the outer cover and places the entire Boardman feeder (base and inverted jar) on top of the inner cover. It is typically positioned over the central hole in the inner cover. An empty deep or medium hive box is then placed around the feeder to protect it, and the outer cover is placed on top of this empty box.
Why This Method is Used
This internal placement directly addresses two key problems. First, it moves the food source away from the entrance, dramatically reducing the risk of robbing from other bee colonies or wasps. Second, it places the syrup within the warm, protected cluster of the hive, keeping it at a more palatable temperature for the bees.
Understanding the Critical Trade-offs
Using a Boardman feeder, even with the internal modification, comes with significant risks that every beekeeper must weigh. These feeders are inexpensive and easy to monitor, but their downsides can be severe.
The Primary Risk: Robbing
When used as designed at the entrance, a Boardman feeder is an open invitation for disaster. It advertises a free food source to every bee, wasp, and ant in the area. This can trigger a robbing frenzy, where stronger colonies attack and overwhelm your hive to steal its resources, often resulting in the complete collapse of the colony being fed.
Leaks and Drowning
A poor seal on the jar can cause syrup to leak. If used at the entrance, this exacerbates robbing. If used with the internal modification, it can drip all over the bees below, chilling and killing them. Furthermore, bees can sometimes find their way into the feeder's trough and drown in the syrup.
Limited Capacity and Temperature
A standard Mason jar holds a relatively small amount of syrup. For a colony that needs significant feeding, this requires constant refilling. When used at the entrance, the syrup quickly cools, making it less attractive and harder for bees to consume, especially in cooler weather.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
The feeder you choose is a tool, and you must select the right one for the job.
- If your primary focus is a small, quick feeding for a strong colony: The Boardman's internal modification can work if you are vigilant about leaks, but other options are often safer.
- If your primary focus is preventing robbing and ensuring colony safety: Use a dedicated internal feeder like a hive-top feeder or an in-hive frame feeder. These are the safest options.
- If your primary focus is feeding a large volume of syrup for overwintering: A hive-top feeder is the most efficient, safest, and highest-capacity choice, allowing bees direct access from within the cluster.
Choosing the right feeder is a strategic decision that directly supports your colony's health and security.
Summary Table:
| Aspect | Key Information |
|---|---|
| Method | Modified entrance feeder placed on top of the inner cover, inside an empty hive box. |
| Primary Benefit | Reduces risk of robbing by moving the food source away from the hive entrance. |
| Key Risks | Potential for leaks, drowning, and limited syrup capacity compared to dedicated internal feeders. |
| Best For | Small, quick feedings for strong colonies when other feeders are not available. |
Ensure your apiary's success with the right equipment. The internal Boardman feeder method is a temporary solution, but for robust, long-term colony health and security, commercial beekeepers rely on dedicated, high-capacity feeding systems.
HONESTBEE supplies commercial apiaries and beekeeping equipment distributors with durable, efficient wholesale beekeeping supplies. Let us help you equip your operation for maximum productivity and bee safety.
Contact our wholesale experts today to discuss your apiary's needs.
Related Products
- Classic Boardman Entrance Bee Feeder Hive Front Feeding Solution
- HONESTBEE Entrance Bee Feeder Professional Hive Nutrition Solution for Beekeeping
- HONESTBEE Entrance Bee Feeder Efficient Hive Front Liquid Feeding Solution for Beekeeping
- HONESTBEE Professional Entrance Bee Feeder Hive Nutrition Solution
- Rapid Bee Feeder White Plastic 2L Round Top Feeder for 8 or 10-Frame Bee Hives
People Also Ask
- Should bees be fed after installing a nucleus hive? Ensure Your New Colony Thrives
- What are the advantages of the open feeding method? A Guide to Efficient Apiary Management
- How to make an entrance feeder for bees? A DIY Guide for Safe & Effective Feeding
- How does the entrance feeder method work? A Guide to Simple But Risky Hive Feeding
- What is a common problem with hive front feeders? Avoid Robbing Frenzies and Protect Your Hives
