A frame feeder, technically known as a division board feeder, is a liquid container designed to replace a standard full-depth frame inside the beehive. Instead of holding honeycomb, this device hangs by lugs on the hive rails and holds sugar syrup to sustain the colony. To use it, you simply swap out a drawn frame for the feeder, fill the open top with syrup, and—most importantly—add floating material to prevent the bees from drowning.
The utility of a frame feeder lies in its ability to bring food directly into the cluster's warmth, but it carries a critical safety requirement. You must never use this device without adequate flotation material, as the open reservoir presents a lethal drowning hazard to bees attempting to feed.
The Mechanics of the Frame Feeder
Internal Hive Integration
The frame feeder is designed to mimic the physical dimensions of a standard full-depth frame.
It is equipped with lugs that allow it to hang securely inside the hive box (super). This placement allows the bees to access food without leaving the safety and warmth of the hive.
Capacity and Design
These feeders act as a narrow trough or tank.
They typically hold approximately four pints (half a gallon) of syrup. The top is entirely open, allowing for easy pouring during the initial setup, though this requires opening the hive to access.
Essential Usage Protocols
Providing Safe Access
Because the feeder is essentially an open pool of syrup, bees cannot land on the liquid surface safely.
You must introduce a mechanism to provide footing. Common solutions include a wooden float designed for the feeder or stuffing the tank with dried vegetation.
Prevention of Drowning
Without a raft or ladder system, bees will fall in and drown while attempting to drink.
This is the single most important step in using a frame feeder. The goal is to maximize the surface area where bees can stand while sipping the syrup.
Understanding the Trade-offs
The Drowning Risk
Despite their utility, frame feeders are notorious for bee mortality if managed poorly.
Even with floats, there is a higher risk of drowning compared to other feeder styles. If the float gets stuck or the vegetation sinks, the safety mechanism fails.
Contamination and Hygiene
The open-top design leaves the syrup exposed to the internal environment of the hive.
Debris, dead bees, and hive trash can easily fall into the syrup. This often leads to mold growth or fermentation, which can spoil the food supply and harm the colony.
Operational Intrusiveness
Unlike top feeders which sit above the frames, refilling a frame feeder requires you to invade the brood nest.
You must remove the hive cover and potentially disturb the cluster to check levels or refill the tank.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To determine if a frame feeder is the right tool for your apiary, consider the following specific needs:
- If your primary focus is warming the syrup: The frame feeder is ideal because it sits inside the cluster, keeping the feed warm and accessible during cooler weather.
- If your primary focus is hygiene and ease of access: A top feeder may be superior, as it reduces debris contamination and allows refilling without opening the brood nest.
- If your primary focus is bee safety: You must commit to rigorous maintenance of flotation materials (wooden floats or vegetation) to ensure the feeder does not become a trap.
Use a frame feeder when you need internal feeding, but treat the flotation mechanism as a non-negotiable life-safety system for your bees.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Feeder Type | Division board feeder (replaces a standard frame) |
| Capacity | Approximately 4 pints (0.5 gallons) |
| Placement | Inside the hive box, hanging on rails |
| Key Requirement | Flotation material (wood floats/vegetation) is mandatory |
| Primary Benefit | Keeps syrup warm by placing it inside the bee cluster |
| Main Risk | High drowning risk and potential for syrup contamination |
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