A frame feeder is an internal reservoir designed to replace a standard honeycomb frame within a Langstroth hive box. It creates a station inside the colony where bees can access sugar syrup, typically utilizing a built-in float, roughened sides, or mesh to prevent them from drowning in the liquid.
The frame feeder is the definitive choice for security, as it is fully contained inside the hive to minimize "robbing" by outside pests. However, this security requires a trade-off in convenience, as you must physically open the hive to monitor syrup levels or refill the unit.
The Mechanics of In-Hive Feeding
Seamless Integration
The feeder is molded to the exact dimensions of a standard frame, including the "lugs" that hang on the box rails.
It sits directly inside the brood box or super, occupying the space where a comb frame would normally go.
Capacity and Consumption
These units generally hold between four pints (half a gallon) to a full gallon of syrup.
Because they offer a large, wide surface area, they allow the colony to consume syrup rapidly, which is critical during emergencies or inclement weather.
The Strategic Advantages
Preventing Robbing
The primary advantage of a frame feeder is theft prevention.
Because the syrup is housed entirely inside the hive, the scent is contained, making it far less likely to attract robber bees or wasps compared to entrance feeders.
Temperature Stability
Being located inside the hive body utilizes the colony's ambient heat.
While not immune to freezing, the syrup remains warmer than it would in an exposed external feeder, provided the cluster is large enough to generate heat near the feeder.
Understanding the Trade-offs
High Disturbance
The most significant operational drawback is the inspection requirement.
You cannot check feed levels visually from the outside; you must smoke the bees, crack the propolis seal, and open the hive. This is invasive and can increase colony defensiveness.
Sacrifice of Real Estate
Using a frame feeder requires removing a functional frame of comb.
In smaller hives or nucs where space is at a premium, sacrificing a frame that could be used for brood rearing or pollen storage is a considerable disadvantage.
Sanitation and Drowning
Despite design improvements, these feeders are essentially open tanks.
If the provided floats or ladders fail (or if the surface is not roughened), bees can easily drown. Additionally, the open top allows debris and mold to accumulate, requiring the removal of the feeder for cleaning.
Cold Weather Limitations
While the syrup stays warmer than in an entrance feeder, the colony's mobility is limited in winter.
If the weather is too cold, the bee cluster may not break formation to travel to the side of the box where the feeder is located, rendering the food inaccessible.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
Before installing a frame feeder, evaluate your current colony status and weather conditions.
- If your primary focus is preventing robbing: Use a frame feeder, especially for weaker colonies that cannot defend an entrance feeder.
- If your primary focus is maximizing brood production: Avoid this feeder type, as it removes critical comb space needed for egg-laying.
- If your primary focus is low-disturbance management: Choose a top feeder or entrance feeder, which allows for refilling without opening the brood nest.
Select the feeder that balances your need for colony security with your tolerance for hive intrusion.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Frame Feeder Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Internal (replaces one standard Langstroth frame) |
| Capacity | 0.5 to 1 Gallon (approx. 4 - 8 pints) |
| Key Advantage | Minimizes robbing by containing syrup scent inside the hive |
| Main Drawback | Requires hive opening for refills & reduces comb space |
| Best Used For | Weak colonies needing protection or rapid emergency feeding |
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