To correctly position a round hive top feeder for internal feeding...
You must place the feeder inside an empty hive body that sits directly on top of the brood box. This specific configuration encloses the feeder within the hive structure, protecting it from the elements while maintaining direct access for the colony below.
Core Takeaway
Internal feeding requires a secure, enclosed environment to prevent robbing and maintain hive temperature. The round feeder relies on an empty hive shell to create the necessary vertical space above the brood nest without exposing the colony.
Constructing the Feeding Setup
The Role of the Empty Hive Body
A round hive top feeder adds vertical height that a standard hive configuration cannot accommodate.
To solve this, you must use an empty hive body (often a medium or deep super without frames) as a protective shell.
This empty box surrounds the feeder, acting as a rim that allows the outer cover to close the hive completely.
Positioning Above the Brood Box
The foundation of this setup is the brood box itself.
The feeder apparatus should be positioned directly above the brood chamber where the colony is clustered.
This proximity ensures that bees can access the syrup quickly without traveling through empty supers, which is critical during cooler weather when bees are less mobile.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Failing to Enclose the Feeder
A critical mistake is attempting to use the feeder without the surrounding empty hive body.
Without this shell, the outer cover will balance precariously on the feeder, leaving large gaps open to the air.
This exposes the colony to rain, wind, and robber bees from other hives looking for an easy sugar source.
Misplacing the Vertical Order
The feeder must be the topmost component under the cover, but significantly, it must be internal.
Do not place the feeder outside the hive or under the brood boxes.
Top feeding leverages the heat rising from the colony to keep the syrup warm, making it easier for the bees to consume and digest.
Ensuring Feeding Success
If your primary focus is hive security:
- Ensure the empty hive body sits flush against the brood box to create a seal that prevents robbing insects from entering the feeding chamber.
If your primary focus is rapid uptake:
- Verify that the feeder is centered directly over the brood nest so the cluster has the shortest possible path to the food source.
Correct positioning transforms your feeder from a simple container into a secure, integrated life-support system for your colony.
Summary Table:
| Component | Proper Placement | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|
| Brood Box | Bottom Layer | Houses the colony and provides heat for the syrup |
| Feeder Unit | Directly above brood nest | Centers food access for rapid colony uptake |
| Empty Super | Surrounds the feeder | Provides vertical space and acts as a protective shell |
| Outer Cover | Topmost Layer | Seals the hive from rain, wind, and robber bees |
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