Beekeeping feeders are primarily categorized by their placement relative to the hive body: internal and external. Internal options, such as frame and top feeders, are housed within the hive structure to utilize colony warmth, while external options, like entrance and bucket feeders, sit outside or atop the opening to prioritize accessibility for the beekeeper.
While external feeders offer significant convenience for monitoring and refilling, internal feeders generally provide superior protection against robbing and maintain syrup temperature, which is critical for uptake during colder weather.
Internal Feeders: Maximizing Warmth and Security
Internal feeders are designed to sit inside the hive boxes. This placement leverages the colony's natural heat to keep the syrup warm, making it easier for bees to consume during cooler temperatures.
Frame Feeders (Division Board Feeders)
These feeders replace a standard frame within the brood box. Because they hang vertically like a honeycomb frame, they are often referred to as division board feeders.
This placement keeps the food source deep within the hive, directly next to the bee cluster. This proximity ensures the syrup remains warm and accessible even when temperatures drop.
Additionally, frame feeders significantly reduce the risk of "robbing." Since the feed is hidden inside, foreign bees and pests are less likely to detect the scent and attack the hive.
Top Feeders
Top feeders are distinct units placed directly on top of the highest hive box, usually under the outer cover.
They allow the beekeeper to provide a large volume of feed at once. Because they cover the top of the frames, they can be refilled without disturbing the brood nest below.
The Baggie Method
A simpler internal method involves using a small, sealed bag of sugar water laid across the top of the brood frames.
The beekeeper creates a small slit in the bag, allowing bees to access the syrup. This is a low-cost solution often used for temporary feeding.
External Feeders: Prioritizing Accessibility
External feeders attach to the outside of the hive or sit above the inner cover in a way that remains distinct from the internal furniture. They are generally easier to refill but more exposed to the elements.
Entrance Feeders
These devices attach directly to the hive opening (entrance). They typically consist of a jar inverted into a holder that slides into the hive entrance.
The primary advantage is visibility; a beekeeper can check feed levels at a glance without opening the hive. However, they are far removed from the cluster's heat source.
Bucket Feeders
Bucket feeders are inverted buckets equipped with small holes in the lid. They are placed over the hive—often over the inner cover hole—to allow controlled access to the syrup.
These feeders hold a significant amount of liquid, reducing the frequency of refills required during heavy feeding periods.
Essential Safety Considerations
Regardless of the type of feeder selected, specific physical risks must be managed to prevent bee mortality.
Preventing Drowning via Surface Texture
Bees struggle to grip smooth surfaces, which can lead to them slipping into liquid feed and drowning. It is critical to ensure feeders have a rough texture or floating rafts.
For example, when using improvised feeders like ceramic plates, sanding the surface is a necessary pre-treatment. This creates roughness that improves foot grip, providing a stable platform for bees to feed safely.
Mitigation of Robbing
External feeders release the scent of sugar syrup into the open air. This can attract wasps, ants, and robber bees from other colonies, leading to aggressive attacks on the hive.
Internal feeders, specifically frame feeders, are the preferred choice when robbing pressure is high. They contain the scent within the hive, making the resource invisible to external threats.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
Selecting a feeder is rarely about finding a "perfect" tool, but rather choosing the one that fits the current season and the strength of your colony.
- If your primary focus is feeding during cold weather: Choose a Frame Feeder to utilize the cluster's heat and keep the syrup consumable.
- If your primary focus is preventing robbing: Choose a Frame Feeder to hide the syrup scent from predators and neighboring hives.
- If your primary focus is quick monitoring: Choose an Entrance Feeder, but be cautious of using these in very cold weather or during a dearth when robbing is likely.
- If your primary focus is volume: Choose a Bucket Feeder or Top Feeder to supply large quantities of feed without daily refills.
Ultimately, the best feeder is the one that secures the colony's nutrition while minimizing stress and exposure to environmental threats.
Summary Table:
| Feeder Type | Category | Best Use Case | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frame Feeder | Internal | Cold weather & robbing prevention | Maintains syrup warmth near the cluster |
| Top Feeder | Internal | High-volume feeding | Refillable without disturbing the brood nest |
| Entrance Feeder | External | Quick monitoring | Easy to check syrup levels at a glance |
| Bucket Feeder | External | Large scale feeding | Holds large volumes to reduce refill frequency |
| Baggie Method | Internal | Temporary/Low-cost feeding | Simple solution for short-term needs |
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