A hive feeder is an essential management tool designed to provide honey bee colonies with supplemental nutrition when natural resources are unavailable. These devices hold granulated sugar or sugar syrup, acting as an artificial food source to sustain the hive during nectar dearths or seasonal transitions.
Beekeepers rely on hive feeders to bridge the nutritional gap when natural nectar is scarce or insufficient. While the specific mechanics vary—from internal frames to external reservoirs—the fundamental purpose is to deliver carbohydrates to the colony safely and efficiently.
Common Feeder Configurations
Feeders are generally categorized by where they are placed relative to the hive body.
Division Board Feeders
These internal devices are designed to replace a standard frame. They have a frame-like shape and hang directly inside the hive box along with the other frames.
Because they are located inside the hive body, they place the food source immediately adjacent to the bee cluster.
Entrance Feeders
This style prioritizes external accessibility. The feeder body is wedged into the hive entrance, typically holding an inverted jar or container that dispenses syrup.
This design allows the beekeeper to see how much food remains without opening the hive.
Hive-Top Feeders
These are generally high-capacity devices. They are placed directly on top of the upper hive box but remain underneath the outer cover.
This placement allows bees to access food through the top of the hive, protecting the syrup from the elements while keeping it contained within the hive's footprint.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Choosing a feeder involves balancing ease of use against the safety and climate needs of the colony.
Ease of Access vs. Security
Entrance feeders are the easiest to refill, but they place sugar syrup at the front door of the hive. This can inadvertently attract robber bees or wasps from other colonies, triggering conflict.
Division board feeders are much more secure against robbers because the food is deep inside the hive. However, refilling them requires opening the hive and disturbing the colony.
Volume and Climate Control
Hive-top feeders typically hold a large volume of feed, reducing the frequency of visits. They also allow for feeding without fully exposing the brood nest to cold air.
Conversely, smaller feeders require frequent attention. If a feeder runs dry during a critical shortage, the colony's growth can stall immediately.
Selecting the Right Feeder for Your Apiary
The "best" feeder depends on your specific goals and the current season.
- If your primary focus is minimizing hive disturbance: Choose an entrance feeder, as it allows you to monitor and refill syrup without opening the hive boxes.
- If your primary focus is volume and efficiency: Opt for a hive-top feeder, which holds significant quantities of feed and minimizes the number of trips required to the apiary.
- If your primary focus is security against robbing: Use a division board feeder, which keeps the food source internalized and hidden from opportunistic predators.
By selecting the right tool for the season, you ensure your colony maintains the energy reserves necessary for survival.
Summary Table:
| Feeder Type | Placement | Capacity | Primary Advantage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division Board | Inside Hive (Frame) | Low/Medium | Prevents robbing/theft | Cold weather & security |
| Entrance | Hive Opening | Low | Easy monitoring/refill | Beginners & small colonies |
| Hive-Top | On Top of Boxes | High | Large volume capacity | Professional apiary efficiency |
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