Feeding bees from the top of the hive is a practical and efficient method to ensure colonies receive the necessary nutrients, especially during periods of scarcity or to stimulate growth. This approach can be implemented using various types of feeders, such as hive top feeders, DIY solutions like mason jars or zip-lock bags, or even customized methods for specific hive types like top bar hives. The goal is to provide easy access to food while minimizing disturbances to the colony. Understanding the reasons for feeding, the types of feeders available, and the best practices for implementation can help beekeepers support their hives effectively.

Key Points Explained:

1. Reasons for Feeding Bees from the Top
   Feeding bees from the top is particularly useful in scenarios such as:

   • Rescuing colonies with insufficient food stores in late winter or spring.
   • Supporting colonies through the June gap when natural food sources are scarce.
   • Stimulating spring build-up ahead of a nectar flow.
   • Helping hived swarms produce brood combs quickly.
   • Ensuring colonies raising queen cells are well-nourished.
   • Supporting the growth of nucleus colonies.

2. Types of Top Feeders
   There are several types of feeders suitable for top feeding:

   • Hive Top Feeders: These are specifically designed to sit on top of the hive and provide a large capacity for sugar syrup or other liquid feeds.
   • DIY Solutions: Cost-effective options include mason jars with pin holes in the lid or gallon zip-lock bags filled with syrup. These are placed on the inner cover with a super around them.
   • Custom Feeders for Top Bar Hives: For top bar hives, a plastic waste bucket cut to fit inside the hive and filled with floating material like pine needles can be used.

3. Benefits of Top Feeding

   • Minimizes Disturbance: Placing the feeder on top reduces the need to open the hive frequently, which can stress the bees.
   • Easy to Monitor and Refill: Top feeders are accessible without disrupting the hive’s internal structure.
   • Cost-Effective: DIY solutions like zip-lock bags or mason jars are inexpensive and easy to clean.

4. Best Practices for Top Feeding

   • Use the Right Feed: Depending on the season and colony needs, provide sugar water, dry sugar, fondant, or pollen patties.
   • Prevent Drowning: Ensure feeders have floating materials or small access points to prevent bees from drowning in liquid feeds.
   • Avoid Attracting Pests: In regions with Small Hive Beetles, take extra precautions to prevent infestations.
   • Monitor Consumption: Regularly check the feeder to ensure the colony has enough food and to refill as needed.

5. Comparison with Other Feeding Methods

   • Entrance Feeders: These are placed at the hive entrance but may be less efficient and more prone to robbing.
   • Open Feeding: Leaving sugar water in large containers outside the hive can attract bees from multiple colonies, increasing the risk of disease spread.
   • Internal Feeders: Frame feeders placed inside the hive can be effective but require more frequent hive inspections.

6. Considerations for Specific Hive Types

   • Top Bar Hives: Since commercial feeders are often unavailable, DIY solutions like modified plastic buckets are ideal.
   • Langstroth Hives: Hive top feeders or DIY options like zip-lock bags work well due to their compatibility with the hive structure.

By understanding these key points, beekeepers can choose the most suitable method for feeding their bees from the top, ensuring the health and productivity of their colonies. For more information on feeders, check out the beekeeping feeder topic.

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