A Boardman feeder is a specialized device, frequently referred to as an entrance feeder, designed to deliver supplemental food to honeybees. This assembly typically utilizes a standard mason jar inverted over a base, which is inserted directly into the entrance of the beehive to provide bees access to syrup.
The Boardman system relies on a three-part assembly—a jar, a lid, and a base—to create a feeding station that integrates seamlessly into the hive's entrance, allowing bees to access nourishment through a gravity-fed design.
The Anatomy of the Feeder
Key Components
The Boardman feeder is defined by a simple, three-part construction. The complete assembly consists of a glass mason jar, a perforated lid, and a specialized base.
Material Construction
The base serves as the anchor for the system and is typically manufactured from wood. It is engineered specifically to hold the inverted jar securely while fitting the dimensions of a standard hive entrance.
How the System Works
Gravity-Fed Mechanism
To operate the feeder, the mason jar is filled with feed and inverted onto the base. Bees access the liquid through holes punched into the jar's lid.
Entrance Integration
The base is designed to slide into the front entrance of the hive. This unique positioning places the jar on the exterior of the hive while extending the base into the interior.
Internal Access Passage
The wooden base features a specific passage carved into its structure. This channel allows bees to walk from inside the hive, under the rim of the jar, and access the holes in the lid to drink without leaving the colony.
Understanding Design Characteristics
External Visibility
Because the jar sits inverted on the base protruding from the entrance, the feed apparatus remains outside the main hive body. This design allows for the monitoring of fluid levels without needing to open the hive.
Entrance Usage
Since the base is designed to slide into the hive entrance, it inevitably occupies a portion of the threshold. This utilizes existing hive architecture but reduces the physical space available for bee traffic at that specific entry point.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To determine if a Boardman feeder suits your apiary management style, consider the following mechanics:
- If your primary focus is ease of access: The entrance-mounted design allows you to install and remove the feeder without lifting heavy hive boxes.
- If your primary focus is utilizing standard equipment: The system leverages common mason jars, making the reservoir component durable and easy to replace if broken.
The Boardman feeder provides a logical, entrance-based solution for beekeepers seeking to feed colonies using accessible, standard components.
Summary Table:
| Component | Material/Type | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Reservoir | Standard Mason Jar | Holds the sugar syrup or feed |
| Lid | Perforated Metal | Controls flow through gravity and vacuum |
| Base | Wood or Plastic | Secures jar and fits into the hive entrance |
| Mechanism | Gravity-Fed | Allows bees internal access to syrup via the lid |
| Monitoring | External Visibility | Check feed levels without opening the hive |
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