What are the different types of honey bee feeders? Essential Guide for Beekeepers

Honey bee feeders are essential tools for beekeepers to provide supplemental nutrition to their colonies, especially during times of scarcity or to stimulate growth. The main types include entrance feeders, hive-top feeders, frame feeders, Boardman feeders, and bucket feeders, each designed for specific hive setups and seasonal conditions. Entrance feeders are simple and ideal for warm weather, while hive-top feeders offer high capacity and anti-drowning features. Frame feeders fit inside the honey bee box and include safety mechanisms, and bucket feeders use gravity for easy syrup dispensing. Choosing the right feeder depends on factors like weather, hive size, and beekeeper preference.

Key Points Explained:

1. Entrance Feeders

   • Design: Small containers placed at the hive entrance, often with a shallow tray for syrup.
   • Pros: Easy to refill, ideal for warm weather as they don’t require opening the hive.
   • Cons: Exposed to pests like ants and wasps; limited capacity.
   • Best For: Quick feeding in mild climates or small colonies.

2. Hive-Top Feeders

   • Design: Sit directly on top of the hive, often with a large reservoir and floating platforms to prevent drowning.
   • Pros: High capacity (1–5 gallons), reduces bee drowning, and minimizes hive disturbance.
   • Cons: Requires lifting the hive lid for refilling; may leak if not sealed properly.
   • Best For: Large colonies or extended feeding periods (e.g., winter preparation).

3. Frame Feeders

   • Design: Fit inside the hive like a regular frame, with a trough or internal reservoir.
   • Pros: Integrated into the honey bee box, reducing robbing and pest access; allows monitoring of syrup levels.
   • Cons: Takes up space meant for brood or honey; bees may drown without built-in floats.
   • Best For: Beekeepers who prefer internal feeding and have spare hive space.

4. Boardman Feeders

   • Design: Attaches to the hive entrance using an inverted jar or container.
   • Pros: Simple and inexpensive; easy to refill.
   • Cons: Prone to robbing and evaporation; unsuitable for cold weather (syrup may crystallize).
   • Best For: Temporary feeding in secure apiaries.

5. Bucket Feeders

   • Design: Gravity-fed containers (e.g., buckets or cans) with small holes, placed above the hive.
   • Pros: Large capacity, minimal refilling effort, and reduces drowning risk.
   • Cons: Requires hive modification; may leak if holes are too large.
   • Best For: Beekeepers managing multiple hives or needing hands-off feeding.

Choosing the Right Feeder:

• Weather: Entrance and Boardman feeders work best in warm climates, while hive-top and bucket feeders excel in colder seasons.
• Hive Size: Larger colonies benefit from high-capacity options like hive-top or bucket feeders.
• Pest Control: Frame and hive-top feeders minimize robbing compared to exposed designs.

Have you considered how feeder placement might affect hive behavior? For instance, internal feeders (like frame feeders) can reduce stress by mimicking natural food storage, while external options may encourage foraging even when supplemental feeding is active. These subtle dynamics highlight how feeder choice quietly shapes colony health and productivity.

Summary Table:

Need help selecting the perfect feeder for your apiary? Contact HONESTBEE today for expert advice and wholesale beekeeping supplies!