Beekeepers generally utilize three primary categories of feeding methods: internal feeders that sit inside the hive, external feeders placed at the entrance or top, and direct application methods like spraying.
The specific choice of feeder—ranging from frame feeders and top feeders to entrance jars or open-yard containers—depends heavily on the season, the colony's strength, and the need to protect the food source from cold weather or robber bees.
Core Takeaway The ideal feeding method balances ease of access for the beekeeper with the safety of the colony. While external methods allow for quick monitoring, internal and top-mounted systems are generally superior for maintaining hive temperature and preventing theft by other insects, particularly during colder months.
Internal and Hive-Top Feeding Methods
Frame Feeders (Division Board Feeders)
These are containers designed to replace one or two standard frames inside the hive body. They essentially sit directly within the brood nest or super.
Because they have an open top, you can fill them with a large volume of sugar syrup.
Crucial Note: You must place flotation material inside the syrup. Without a raft or rough surface to stand on, bees will fall in and drown.
Top Feeders
These units are placed directly on top of the inner cover, underneath the main hive lid. They are excellent for providing large quantities of feed without disturbing the colony's core.
They typically come in two forms: tray feeders (exposed syrup with bee access) or inverted pail feeders (containers placed upside down over a hole).
Rapid Feeders
Often used in the fall, these are a specific type of top feeder designed to deliver heavy syrup quickly.
They are optimized for "rapid" uptake, allowing bees to store a 2:1 sugar-to-water mixture as winter reserves before the cold sets in.
External and Direct Application Methods
Entrance Feeders (Boardman Feeders)
This device consists of a base that slides into the hive entrance and holds an inverted jar, usually a mason jar with small holes in the lid.
The primary advantage is visibility; you can monitor syrup levels without ever opening the hive.
Open Yard Feeding
As noted in the primary reference, some beekeepers leave a feeder filled with sugar and water out in the yard, away from the hives.
This creates a communal food source accessible to all colonies in the area.
Direct Spraying
A more manual method involves spraying the hives or the bees directly with a sugar-water mixture.
This is often done to calm bees or provide immediate, localized nutrition rather than long-term storage.
Understanding the Trade-offs
The Risk of Robbing with External Feeders
Entrance feeders and open yard feeding can attract unwanted attention. Wasps, ants, and bees from other colonies may smell the syrup and attack the hive to steal it.
Accessibility in Winter
During winter, bees form a tight cluster to stay warm and physically cannot travel far to reach food.
Pro feeders and top feeders are superior here because they keep the food source contained and close to the heat of the cluster.
Drowning Hazards
Liquid feed poses a significant drowning risk to bees.
Frame feeders specifically require maintenance to ensure flotation devices are working, whereas inverted pail feeders naturally limit this risk by dispensing syrup through mesh or small holes.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To select the best feeder for your specific situation, consider the following scenarios:
- If your primary focus is winter survival: Use top feeders or internal frame feeders, as they keep the food warm and accessible when bees cannot travel to the entrance.
- If your primary focus is convenience and monitoring: Use an entrance feeder, allowing you to check food levels at a glance without disturbing the hive structure.
- If your primary focus is bulk storage for fall: Use a rapid feeder with heavy syrup (2:1 ratio) to help the colony quickly build up reserves.
Select the method that protects your colony while minimizing the disruption to their daily work.
Summary Table:
| Feeder Type | Placement | Best Use Case | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frame Feeder | Internal (replaces frame) | Internal hive nutrition | Large volume, keeps feed warm |
| Top Feeder | Above inner cover | Bulk feeding | High capacity, minimal disturbance |
| Entrance Feeder | Hive entrance | Quick monitoring | Easy to check and refill |
| Rapid Feeder | Top of hive | Fall/Winter prep | Quick delivery of heavy syrup |
| Open Yard | Communal area | Large-scale apiaries | Low maintenance for many hives |
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