In beekeeping, there are two primary types of internal hive feeders: the frame feeder and the top feeder. Frame feeders are designed to replace one or more frames directly inside a hive box, while top feeders are placed on top of the uppermost box, just beneath the hive's main cover. Both are used to provide supplemental sugar syrup to a colony.
Choosing the right internal feeder is a strategic decision that balances feeding capacity against colony disturbance. The best choice depends entirely on your specific goal, whether it's rapidly building winter stores or gently stimulating spring growth.
Decoding the Frame Feeder
A frame feeder, sometimes called a division board feeder, is a plastic or wooden container built to the same dimensions as a standard hive frame. It is placed inside a deep or medium hive body in place of a brood or honey frame.
How It Works
The feeder sits vertically among the other frames. Bees access the syrup by climbing down into the feeder's reservoir from the top. Most modern designs include textured inner walls, ladders, or floating inserts to provide grip and prevent bees from drowning.
Key Advantages
A frame feeder's main advantage is its large capacity, with many holding one to two gallons of syrup. Because it's located inside the hive body, it benefits from the colony's warmth, keeping the syrup accessible in cooler weather and minimizing the risk of attracting robber bees from other hives.
Potential Drawbacks
To check or refill a frame feeder, you must open the hive, which disturbs the colony and breaks propolis seals. Furthermore, if the feeder lacks adequate ladders or floats, a significant number of bees can drown in the syrup.
Understanding the Top Feeder
A top feeder is a tray or reservoir that sits directly on top of the hive's uppermost box, often on the inner cover. The bees access the syrup from below through a central opening or screened-off section.
How It Works
The entire feeder is protected by the telescoping outer cover. This design allows the beekeeper to refill the syrup with almost no disruption to the bees in the brood nest below.
Key Advantages
The primary benefit of a top feeder is the ease of use. You can quickly add more feed by simply lifting the outer lid, pouring in the syrup, and closing it back up. This minimal disturbance is ideal for frequent, small-scale feeding.
Potential Drawbacks
Because the feeder is located at the top of the hive, it is further from the main cluster. In cold weather, a weak colony may not be willing to break cluster to travel up to the feeder. These feeders can also introduce excess moisture into the hive if not properly ventilated.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Choosing a feeder involves more than just personal preference; it's about understanding the impact on your colony's health and your own workflow.
Disturbance vs. Convenience
The frame feeder is contained and thermally efficient but requires you to completely open the hive for every refill. The top feeder offers unparalleled convenience but separates the food source from the colony's core.
Drowning Risk and Management
Drowning is a serious risk with any liquid feeder. Frame feeders are historically the biggest culprits, making it critical to choose a model with robust ladders or floats. While top feeders are generally safer, bees can still get trapped and drown in some designs if they find a way into the main reservoir.
Capacity and Feeding Strategy
Frame feeders are built for volume feeding. They are excellent for quickly adding winter stores in the fall. Top feeders, while some have large capacities, are often used for stimulative feeding in the spring, where small, regular amounts of syrup encourage brood rearing.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
Select your equipment based on the specific needs of your colony and the season.
- If your primary focus is heavy fall feeding: A large-capacity frame feeder is the most efficient tool for getting several gallons of syrup into a hive quickly.
- If your primary focus is spring stimulation with minimal disturbance: A top feeder is ideal, allowing you to add small amounts of syrup regularly without chilling the brood nest.
- If you are managing a weak colony in cool weather: A frame feeder placed directly adjacent to the bee cluster ensures they can access the food without traveling far.
By matching the feeder type to your specific beekeeping objective, you provide the best possible support for your colony's success.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Frame Feeder | Top Feeder |
|---|---|---|
| Placement | Inside the hive body, replaces a frame | On top of the uppermost hive box |
| Best For | Heavy fall feeding, building winter stores | Spring stimulation, minimal disturbance |
| Capacity | High (1-2 gallons) | Varies, often used for smaller, regular feeds |
| Colony Disturbance | High (requires opening the hive) | Low (refill by lifting the outer cover) |
| Key Consideration | Risk of bee drowning; requires ladders/floats | Syrup may be too far from cluster in cold weather |
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Choosing the right internal feeder is a critical step in managing your colony's health and honey production. As a commercial beekeeper or distributor, you need reliable, high-capacity equipment that supports efficient large-scale operations.
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