In short, a frame feeder is a container designed to fit inside a beehive in place of a standard frame. It is used by beekeepers to hold sugar syrup, providing a direct, internal food source for the colony. These feeders are typically made of molded plastic and come in various capacities, often holding one to two gallons of syrup.
The core challenge of feeding bees is providing nourishment without introducing new problems like drowning or robbing from other hives. A frame feeder solves this by moving the food source inside the hive, offering a high-capacity and secure method, but it demands careful management to be used safely and effectively.
The Anatomy of a Frame Feeder
Design and Placement
A frame feeder, also known as an in-hive feeder, is manufactured to the exact dimensions of a standard Langstroth frame. This allows it to be slotted directly into the brood box or a honey super, seamlessly replacing one or two frames.
Its location within the brood nest keeps the food source close to the bees, protecting it from outside weather and pests.
Capacity and Volume
These feeders are valued for their large volume. Most models hold between one and two gallons of sugar syrup, allowing a beekeeper to provide a substantial amount of food in a single visit.
This high capacity is particularly useful when trying to build up a new colony, feed a weak hive, or prepare a colony for winter.
The Critical Role of Flotation
Bees cannot swim. The single greatest risk associated with a frame feeder is the potential for thousands of bees to drown in the syrup.
To prevent this, feeders must include a mechanism for the bees to access the syrup safely. This is often a built-in plastic ladder or "float" system, though many beekeepers add wooden floats, hardware cloth, or other textured materials to provide secure footing.
Why Choose a Frame Feeder?
Minimizing Robbing Behavior
Because the feeder is entirely contained within the hive, it drastically reduces the chance of inciting "robbing"—where bees from stronger, nearby colonies discover the food source and attack the hive to steal it.
External feeders, like entrance feeders, can leak syrup outside the hive, creating a scent trail that attracts robbers and can lead to the destruction of a weaker colony.
High-Volume, Efficient Feeding
The large capacity means fewer trips to the apiary. A beekeeper can provide enough food to last the colony for many days, ensuring a consistent supply during critical periods without constant disturbance.
Protection from the Elements
An internal feeder protects the sugar syrup from rain, which can dilute it, and from contamination by ants, wasps, and other insects. The syrup remains clean and at hive temperature, making it more appealing to the bees.
Understanding the Trade-offs and Risks
The Drowning Hazard
The risk of bees drowning cannot be overstated. If the flotation device is inadequate, fails, or is not included, the feeder can become a deadly trap. Always ensure your feeder has a reliable system to keep bees safe.
Hive Intrusion is Required
To check the syrup level or refill the feeder, you must open the hive. This disturbs the colony's normal routine and breaks the propolis seal they create to protect their home. Refilling is impossible during poor weather.
Consumption of Brood Nest Space
The feeder occupies the space of one or two frames. This is a significant trade-off, as those frames could otherwise be used by the queen to lay eggs or by the workers to store pollen and nectar. In a small or growing colony, this space is extremely valuable.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
Deciding on a feeder type depends entirely on your specific objective and management style.
- If your primary focus is establishing a new colony quickly: A high-capacity frame feeder is an excellent choice to provide the consistent, ample resources they need to draw comb and grow.
- If your primary focus is minimizing hive disturbances: An external top feeder might be preferable, as it can often be refilled without opening the brood chamber and disturbing the bees.
- If your primary focus is preventing robbing at all costs: The internal design of a frame feeder makes it one of the most secure options available for protecting a vulnerable hive.
Ultimately, understanding how a frame feeder works allows you to use it as an effective tool when the situation calls for it.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Benefit | Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| In-Hive Placement | Minimizes robbing; protects from weather and pests. | Requires opening the hive to refill, disturbing the colony. |
| High Capacity (1-2 gal) | Fewer refill trips; ideal for building new colonies or winter prep. | Occupies valuable brood nest space (1-2 frames). |
| Internal Flotation/Ladder | Provides safe access to syrup, preventing drowning. | Inadequate flotation is a major drowning hazard for bees. |
Equip Your Apiary with the Right Feeding Tools
Frame feeders are a cornerstone of effective hive management, but using them safely and effectively requires reliable equipment. HONESTBEE supplies commercial apiaries and beekeeping equipment distributors with the high-quality, durable supplies needed for successful, large-scale operations.
We understand the critical balance between efficiency and bee safety. Let us help you stock the right tools for the job.
Contact HONESTBEE today to discuss your wholesale needs and ensure your colonies are well-fed and secure.
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