Frame feeders, technically referred to as division board feeders, are internal supplemental feeding devices that function by replacing one or two standard frames within the hive body. They serve as deep, internal reservoirs for sugar syrup, positioning the food source directly alongside the bee cluster to ensure accessibility and security.
Frame feeders optimize winter survival by leveraging the colony's internal heat to keep syrup accessible, while simultaneously concealing the food source to prevent robbing.
The Mechanics of Internal Feeding
Integration with the Hive Structure
Unlike external devices, frame feeders are designed to fit seamlessy inside the hive box.
They physically take the place of existing frames in the brood box. This allows the feeder to hang vertically, mimicking the position of a honeycomb frame.
Capacity and Function
The primary function of the device is to act as a large internal reservoir.
It holds a significant volume of syrup directly within the colony's living space. This design is distinct from entrance feeders or bucket feeders, which sit on the exterior or top of the assembly.
Strategic Advantages
Accessibility in Cold Weather
One of the most critical functions of a frame feeder is facilitating feeding during low temperatures.
Bees form a tight cluster to generate heat in the cold and often cannot break this cluster to reach distant food sources. Because the frame feeder sits adjacent to the cluster, the colony's generated heat keeps the syrup warmer and physiologically accessible to the bees.
Prevention of Robbing
Frame feeders effectively mitigate the risk of robber bees discovering the supplemental feed.
External feeders can release scents that attract wasps and bees from other colonies, triggering aggressive robbing behavior. By burying the food source deep inside the hive, the frame feeder limits access strictly to the resident colony.
Environmental Protection
Placing the feed internally safeguards it from external contaminants.
The syrup is shielded from rain, debris, and other environmental factors that could spoil the feed or dilute the solution.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Space Usage
The primary drawback of this system is the loss of comb space.
Because the feeder replaces one or two frames, that space cannot be used by the queen for laying eggs or by the workers for storing honey. You are trading potential colony growth area for food security.
Inspection Disturbance
Unlike external feeders, refilling a frame feeder requires opening the hive.
This can be invasive and disruptive to the colony. It is particularly problematic in extreme cold or bad weather, where cracking the propolis seal to access the feeder could chill the brood.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
When deciding if a frame feeder is the right tool for your apiary, consider your immediate environmental conditions and the colony's current needs.
- If your primary focus is feeding during cold snaps: Choose a frame feeder to ensure the syrup benefits from the cluster's warmth and remains accessible.
- If your primary focus is preventing robbing in a high-density apiary: Rely on frame feeders to hide the scent of syrup deep within the hive body.
- If your primary focus is maximizing brood production: Be aware that using this feeder will reduce the total area available for the queen to lay eggs.
The frame feeder is the professional's choice for secure, temperature-resilient feeding that prioritizes colony safety over convenience.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Description | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Placement | Internal (replaces 1-2 frames) | Direct accessibility for the bee cluster |
| Capacity | Large internal reservoir | Efficient long-term supplemental feeding |
| Heat Retention | Leverages colony warmth | Keeps syrup liquid and usable in cold snaps |
| Security | Concealed within hive body | Minimizes scent to prevent aggressive robbing |
| Protection | Shielded by hive cover | Prevents contamination from rain and debris |
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