A division board or sugar feeder is a specialized beekeeping tool designed to provide supplemental sugar syrup to honeybees while preventing them from drowning. It is typically hung inside the hive alongside frames and features a simple yet effective design—often incorporating a wooden strip or natural materials like cut leaves as a floating platform. This allows bees to access the syrup safely, mimicking natural nectar sources and supporting colony health during periods of low forage.
Key Points Explained:
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Definition and Purpose
- A division board/sugar feeder is a container placed inside beehives to deliver sugar syrup as supplemental food.
- It addresses colony needs during nectar scarcity (e.g., winter or drought) by simulating natural food sources.
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Design Features
- Float Mechanism: Uses a wooden strip or leaves to create a stable surface, preventing bees from drowning in the syrup.
- Integration: Hangs seamlessly alongside hive frames, minimizing disruption to the colony’s structure.
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How It Works
- Beekeepers fill the feeder with a sugar-water mixture (ratio tailored to seasonal needs).
- Bees land on the float to drink the syrup, much like they would from flower nectar.
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Practical Benefits
- Safety: Eliminates drowning risks common in open feeders.
- Efficiency: Reduces the need for frequent hive inspections to refill external feeders.
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Usage Tips
- Clean regularly to prevent mold or fermentation of syrup.
- Adjust syrup consistency (thicker in fall, lighter in spring) to match colony requirements.
By blending simplicity with functionality, this tool exemplifies how small innovations can profoundly impact hive management—ensuring bees thrive even when nature falls short.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Provides supplemental sugar syrup to bees during nectar scarcity. |
| Design | Includes a float mechanism (wooden strip/leaves) to prevent drowning. |
| Placement | Hangs inside the hive alongside frames for seamless integration. |
| Benefits | Safe, reduces refill frequency, and mimics natural nectar access. |
| Usage Tip | Clean regularly and adjust syrup thickness seasonally (thicker in fall). |
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