Top feeders are distinct hive attachments that generally come in two primary configurations: the exposed reservoir and the inverted container. These devices are placed directly on top of the upper hive box, allowing bees to access sugar syrup from above without requiring the beekeeper to disrupt the brood nest.
Top feeders are essential for "closed feeding," allowing you to deliver large volumes of resources safely. The choice between an exposed tray or an inverted pail often comes down to the volume of syrup required and the specific equipment configuration of your apiary.
The Two Primary Top Feeder Configurations
Exposed Reservoir Feeders
This design functions as a shallow box or tray that sits flush on the hive.
The defining feature is an exposed surface area of syrup. The reservoir holds a significant volume of liquid, allowing a large number of bees to access the food source simultaneously from above.
Inverted Pail Feeders
This type utilizes a container, such as a pail or jar, filled with syrup.
The container is turned upside down and placed over the hole in the hive's inner cover. Gravity creates a vacuum, and bees access the syrup through a mesh-covered opening or small holes in the lid, drawing the liquid down from below.
Installation and Maintenance
Positioning the Feeder
Regardless of the type, the feeder is placed directly on top of the upper box of the beehive.
These units are typically manufactured to fit standard apiary dimensions. You will find models designed specifically for both 8-frame and 10-frame equipment.
Protecting the Equipment
Because these feeders sit on top of the stack, they must be enclosed to protect the syrup and the hive.
You should place an empty hive box around the feeder. This acts as a shell, shielding the feeder from the elements and preventing robber bees from accessing the syrup from the outside.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Maintenance Requirements
Top feeders are not "set and forget" devices.
You must perform regular inspections to determine if the feeder needs to be refilled. Syrup can spoil if left too long, so cleaning the reservoir or pail is necessary to maintain colony health.
Variable Effectiveness
Be aware that the performance of a feeder is not universal.
The effectiveness of a specific feeder type can vary from one hive to another. Factors such as colony strength and temperature can influence how well the bees utilize the syrup provided through these top-mounted methods.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
While both methods achieve the goal of feeding the colony, your specific operational needs will dictate the best choice.
- If your primary focus is feeding large populations quickly: Choose the exposed reservoir feeder, as its large surface area allows many bees to feed at once.
- If your primary focus is controlled delivery: Choose the inverted pail feeder, which limits intake to the surface area of the mesh opening and integrates easily with the inner cover.
Select the feeder that aligns with your equipment size and your schedule for maintenance checks.
Summary Table:
| Feeder Type | Feeding Mechanism | Key Benefit | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exposed Reservoir | Open tray/surface access | High volume & rapid intake | Feeding large populations quickly |
| Inverted Pail | Vacuum-sealed mesh/holes | Controlled delivery & less waste | Precision feeding & easy integration |
| Placement | Atop upper hive box | Minimal brood disruption | 8-frame or 10-frame standard setups |
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