In beekeeping, there are three primary types of feeders used to provide supplemental nutrition to a colony. These are hive-top feeders, which sit on top of the hive boxes; division board feeders, which hang inside the hive like a frame; and entrance feeders, which are placed at the hive's main entrance. Each design serves the same basic purpose but offers distinct advantages depending on the beekeeper's specific goal.
Your choice of feeder is a strategic decision that directly impacts hive health, colony disturbance, and vulnerability to pests. Understanding the trade-offs between capacity, access, and security is the key to feeding your bees effectively and safely.
Understanding the Core Feeder Types
The right feeder depends entirely on the season, the strength of your colony, and what you are trying to achieve. Let's break down the function and placement of each primary type.
Hive-Top Feeders
These feeders are placed directly on top of the uppermost hive box, beneath the outer cover. They typically hold a large volume of sugar syrup, often a gallon or more.
Many designs have compartments that allow bees to climb up from the hive and access the syrup without being able to drown. Their large capacity makes them ideal for feeding a colony heavily in preparation for winter or during a major nectar dearth.
Division Board Feeders
Also known as frame feeders, these are thin, hollow containers shaped exactly like a standard hive frame. They are designed to hang inside the hive body, taking the place of one of the frames.
This placement keeps the food source close to the brood nest, protecting it from cold weather and robber bees. They are an excellent choice for new or smaller colonies that need consistent, protected access to food.
Entrance Feeders
These are the simplest and often the first feeders a new beekeeper encounters. They consist of a small inverted container, typically a glass jar or plastic bottle, with tiny holes in the lid.
The feeder is placed on a small platform that wedges into the hive entrance. This design makes it extremely easy to monitor the syrup level and refill the container without disturbing the colony at all.
Critical Trade-offs: Choosing the Right Feeder
While all feeders provide food, their designs create significant differences in security, capacity, and impact on the colony. Understanding these trade-offs is crucial.
Robbing and Pest Pressure
Entrance feeders are the most vulnerable to robbing by bees from other hives, wasps, and other insects because the food source is exposed externally.
Division board and hive-top feeders are significantly more secure. By placing the food inside the hive, you dramatically reduce the scent that attracts unwanted pests and make it much harder for robbers to access.
Colony Disturbance
The entrance feeder is the clear winner for minimizing disruption. You can see and change the jar without opening the hive.
Refilling hive-top and division board feeders requires you to open the hive. This breaks the propolis seal, releases hive scent, and disturbs the colony's normal operations.
Capacity and Refill Frequency
Hive-top feeders offer the largest capacity, allowing you to provide a large amount of syrup at once, reducing the frequency of refills.
Division board feeders have a moderate capacity, usually holding one to two quarts. Entrance feeders have the smallest capacity and require the most frequent refilling.
Weather and Drowning Risk
Feeders located inside the hive, like the division board feeder, keep the syrup at the colony's ambient temperature, making it easier for bees to consume in cooler weather.
A common risk with internal feeders is bee drowning. Look for division board feeders with textured interior walls or add floats (like small pieces of wood or plastic mesh) to give bees a safe place to land.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
Selecting a feeder isn't about finding the single "best" one, but the right one for your current objective.
- If your primary focus is rapidly building stores for winter: A large-capacity hive-top feeder is the most efficient choice.
- If your primary focus is supporting a new or small colony: A division board feeder keeps food safe and accessible, right beside the developing brood.
- If your primary focus is providing a small, temporary supplement with zero colony disturbance: An entrance feeder works well, but you must remain vigilant for any signs of robbing.
Ultimately, effective bee feeding is about providing the right resource at the right time with the least possible risk to the colony.
Summary Table:
| Feeder Type | Best For | Key Advantage | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hive-Top Feeder | Winter preparation, large colonies | Large capacity, efficient feeding | Requires opening the hive to refill |
| Division Board Feeder | New/small colonies, cold weather | Protected from robbers, close to brood | Moderate capacity, risk of bee drowning |
| Entrance Feeder | Temporary, small-scale feeding | Easy monitoring, zero hive disturbance | High risk of attracting robbers, small capacity |
Ready to equip your apiary with the right feeders?
Choosing the correct feeder is a critical step in managing hive health and productivity. At HONESTBEE, we supply commercial apiaries and beekeeping equipment distributors with high-quality, durable feeders designed for optimal performance and bee safety.
Let us help you make the strategic choice for your operation. Contact our wholesale experts today to discuss your needs and explore our full range of beekeeping supplies.
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