Division board feeders are specialized tools used in beekeeping to provide supplemental food (usually sugar syrup) to honeybee colonies. Positioned between hive frames, these feeders offer a controlled and secure method of feeding while reducing the risk of robbing (when bees from other hives steal resources). They are particularly useful during periods of low nectar flow or when establishing new colonies, ensuring bees have consistent access to nourishment without disrupting hive activity. Their design balances efficiency with hive safety, making them a practical choice for beekeepers.
Key Points Explained:
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What Are Division Board Feeders?
- These are rectangular containers that fit snugly between standard hive frames, replacing one frame in the brood box.
- Typically made of plastic or wood, they hold sugar syrup or other liquid feed.
- Their integration into the hive mimics natural comb spacing, minimizing disturbance to bees.
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How They Work
- Bees access the syrup through small openings or floats that prevent drowning.
- The feeder’s placement inside the hive reduces exposure to external pests (e.g., wasps) and deters robbing by other bee colonies.
- Unlike top feeders, which sit above the hive, division board feeders maintain hive warmth by staying within the cluster’s proximity.
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Benefits for Beekeepers
- Reduced Robbing Risk: By keeping the feed inside the hive, they avoid attracting foreign bees.
- Ease of Use: Refilling is straightforward—beekeepers simply lift the feeder and pour in syrup.
- Hive Stability: The design supports colony cohesion, as bees don’t need to leave the hive to feed.
- Weather Resistance: Protected from rain and wind, the syrup stays clean and accessible.
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Comparison to Other Feeders
- Top Feeders: While convenient, they may require more frequent refilling and can cool the hive if not insulated.
- Entrance Feeders: These are prone to robbing and may leak, attracting pests.
- Division board feeders strike a balance between accessibility and hive security.
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Practical Considerations
- Ideal for smaller apiaries or urban beekeeping where robbing is a concern.
- Best used during early spring (to stimulate brood production) or fall (to prepare for winter).
- Regular monitoring ensures bees are consuming the syrup and the feeder isn’t leaking.
By integrating seamlessly into the hive’s structure, division board feeders support healthy colonies while simplifying beekeepers’ workflow. Their design reflects a deep understanding of bee behavior, offering a low-intervention solution to supplemental feeding.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Integrated Design | Fits between hive frames, minimizing disturbance |
| Reduced Robbing | Keeps feed inside the hive, deterring foreign bees |
| Easy Refilling | Simple lift-and-pour mechanism for quick syrup replenishment |
| Weather Protection | Shields syrup from rain and wind, keeping it clean |
| Hive Stability | Supports colony cohesion by allowing bees to feed internally |
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