A Division Board or Sugar Feeder is a specialized internal device designed to hang directly inside the bee hive alongside the standard frames. Its primary function is to hold a supply of sugar syrup, providing essential supplemental nutrition to the colony. To ensure bee safety, it utilizes a floating mechanism to prevent bees from drowning while they feed.
This device effectively converts internal hive space into a secure feeding station, prioritizing bee safety through the use of organic floats that rest on the syrup's surface.
The Mechanics of Internal Feeding
Integration with Hive Architecture
The Division Board Feeder is engineered to fit seamlessly into the existing hive structure.
Because it is hung inside the hive along with the frames, it occupies the same space as a standard honeycomb frame. This internal placement keeps the food source close to the cluster and protected from external elements.
The Purpose of the Feeder
The core function of this device is to act as a reservoir for sugar syrup.
Beekeepers use this to provide artificial sustenance when natural nectar sources are scarce, ensuring the colony does not starve during dearth periods.
Safety Features for the Colony
Addressing the Drowning Risk
A significant danger with liquid feeding is bee mortality. Without a landing zone, bees attempting to access the syrup can easily fall in and drown.
The Float Mechanism
To mitigate this risk, the feeder must contain a physical float.
The primary reference suggests using a simple wooden strip or cut bits of leaves. These items float on the surface of the syrup, acting as a raft that allows bees to land, drink, and depart safely.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Necessity of Management
Using this feeder requires careful attention to the specific components inside the reservoir.
If the float (wooden strip or leaves) is forgotten or sinks, the feeder becomes a hazard rather than a help. The beekeeper must ensure these floating elements are present every time the feeder is refilled.
Internal Access
Because the device is located inside the hive body, accessing it requires opening the hive.
While this protects the syrup from robber bees outside, it implies that checking food levels involves interacting directly with the hive components.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
This feeder is best utilized when you need a secure, high-volume feeding method that integrates directly into the hive body.
- If your primary focus is Colony Safety: Ensure you always place a wooden strip or leaf bits inside to serve as a reliable float.
- If your primary focus is Hive Organization: Use this feeder to replace a standard frame, keeping the profile of the hive uniform without external attachments.
Internal feeding provides a secure lifeline for your bees, provided the safety floats are properly maintained.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Division Board Feeder Details |
|---|---|
| Placement | Internal (replaces a standard hive frame) |
| Primary Function | Holds sugar syrup for supplemental nutrition |
| Safety Mechanism | Floating raft (wooden strips/leaves) to prevent drowning |
| Best Used For | Large-scale feeding during nectar dearths |
| Key Advantage | Protects syrup from robber bees and external elements |
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