What are inside the hive feeders, and how do they work? Essential Guide for Beekeepers

Hive feeders are essential tools for beekeepers to provide supplemental nutrition to their colonies, especially during times of natural scarcity. They are designed to integrate seamlessly into the hive structure, ensuring bees can access food safely without exposure to external threats like pests or harsh weather. The two primary types are frame feeders and division board feeders, which fit inside the hive, and hive top feeders, which sit atop the hive. Each type operates differently but serves the same purpose: delivering sugar syrup or other liquid feed efficiently to the colony. Understanding their design and functionality helps beekeepers choose the right feeder for their needs.

Key Points Explained:

1. Purpose of Hive Feeders

   • Hive feeders are used to supplement bees' diet, particularly when natural nectar sources are insufficient (e.g., winter or drought).
   • They prevent starvation and support colony growth by providing sugar syrup, which mimics nectar.

2. Types of Hive Feeders

   • Frame Feeders:
     • Resemble a standard hive frame and fit directly into the brood box.
     • Contain a trough filled with syrup, accessible to bees via a floating platform or ladder to prevent drowning.
   • Division Board Feeders:
     • Replace one or more frames in the hive, functioning like a large reservoir.
     • Often include a central divider to reduce bee crowding and drowning risks.
   • Hive Top Feeders:
     • Sit on top of the hive, aligned with a hole in the inner cover.
     • Use inverted jars or containers with small holes to dispense syrup gradually.
     • Protected by an additional outer box to shield from robbers (other bees or pests) and weather.

3. How They Work

   • Accessibility: Bees enter the feeder through hive-integrated openings, ensuring minimal disruption to their routine.
   • Safety Features: Floating elements or shallow designs prevent bees from drowning in the syrup.
   • Efficiency: Large capacities reduce the need for frequent refilling, while enclosed designs minimize evaporation and theft.

4. Advantages of Each Type

   • Frame/Division Board Feeders: Ideal for smaller hives or precise feeding, as they occupy frame space but are less prone to leakage.
   • Hive Top Feeders: Better for larger colonies, as they don’t reduce brood space and are easier to refill without hive disruption.

5. Considerations for Beekeepers

   • Climate: Open feeders may evaporate quickly in hot weather, while sealed designs like hive top feeders retain moisture.
   • Colony Size: Larger colonies may require higher-capacity feeders to avoid constant refills.
   • Pest Management: Enclosed designs (e.g., hive top feeders) deter robbers and pests like wasps.

By selecting the right feeder and monitoring its use, beekeepers can ensure their colonies remain healthy and productive year-round.

Summary Table:

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