The primary advantages of a Boardman feeder are its simplicity, low cost, and the beekeeper's ability to monitor and refill it without opening the hive. Because it sits at the entrance, you can see the syrup level at a glance and swap jars in seconds, minimizing disturbance to the colony.
While convenient for the beekeeper, the Boardman feeder's placement at the hive entrance creates a significant security risk for the bees. Its advantages are often outweighed by the danger of attracting robber bees from other colonies.
The Core Advantages Explained
Boardman feeders, also known as entrance feeders, are one of the most recognizable and widely available types of feeders. Their benefits are centered entirely on convenience for the beekeeper.
### Unmatched Simplicity
The design is incredibly straightforward, typically consisting of a small wooden or plastic base that slides into the hive entrance and a standard mason jar with perforated holes in the lid.
This simplicity makes them inexpensive to purchase and easy to clean and operate. There are very few parts to break or lose.
### Effortless Monitoring and Refills
Because the jar is on the outside of the hive, you can instantly assess the syrup level from a distance.
Refilling is the quickest of any feeder type. You simply unscrew the empty jar and screw on a full one without needing to open the hive lid, use a smoker, or disturb the colony's internal activity.
Understanding the Critical Trade-offs
The convenience of a Boardman feeder comes at a high price for the bees. The very feature that makes it easy for the beekeeper—its external placement at the entrance—is also its greatest liability.
### The High Risk of Robbing
Placing a food source directly at the hive's entrance is like putting up a giant neon sign for every bee, wasp, and ant in the area.
The scent of sugar syrup can easily trigger a "robbing" frenzy, where stronger colonies attack the hive to steal its resources. This can lead to the rapid collapse and death of the colony being fed.
### Exposure to the Elements
The external jar exposes the syrup to ambient temperatures. On cold days, the syrup can become too cold for the bees to consume. On hot, sunny days, the syrup can heat up, ferment, and spoil quickly.
### Limited Capacity
A standard Boardman feeder uses a quart-sized mason jar. This small volume is insufficient for critical feeding periods, such as preparing a colony for winter, when they may need gallons of syrup in a short time.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
Due to the significant risk of robbing, most experienced beekeepers use Boardman feeders sparingly or not at all for feeding syrup. Their utility is found in very specific, low-risk scenarios.
- If your primary focus is safety and colony health: Avoid using Boardman feeders for syrup and choose an internal option like a top feeder or frame feeder.
- If you are in a completely isolated apiary with no other hives for miles: The robbing risk is lower, making the Boardman a convenient, albeit still risky, option.
- If your primary focus is providing a water source: They are an excellent and safe choice for giving bees water, as this does not attract robbers in the same way syrup does.
Choosing the right equipment requires weighing convenience against the well-being of your bees.
Summary Table:
| Advantage | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| Simplicity | Inexpensive, easy-to-clean design with few parts. |
| Easy Monitoring | Syrup levels can be checked at a glance without opening the hive. |
| Quick Refills | Jars can be swapped in seconds with minimal colony disturbance. |
| Primary Risk | External placement at the entrance significantly increases the danger of robbing by other bees. |
Equip Your Apiary with the Right Supplies
While Boardman feeders offer convenience, the safety of your colony is paramount. For commercial apiaries and distributors, choosing the right equipment is critical for operational success and hive health.
HONESTBEE supplies a full range of reliable beekeeping supplies and equipment, including safer internal feeding solutions like top feeders and frame feeders, designed to protect your investment from robbing and the elements.
Let us help you build a stronger, more productive operation. Our wholesale-focused team understands the scale and demands of commercial beekeeping.
Contact HONESTBEE today to discuss your equipment needs and wholesale pricing.
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