A top feeder is fundamentally designed as a shallow box containing a reservoir for syrup and a protective barrier. This barrier, typically made of hardware cloth or a galvanized steel screen, grants bees access to the food source while physically preventing them from falling into the liquid and drowning.
The top feeder's design prioritizes high capacity and colony safety. By positioning a large reservoir above the hive protected by a screen, it allows beekeepers to replenish feed without disturbing the colony's internal environment.
The Anatomy of a Top Feeder
The Reservoir Structure
The core of the unit is a shallow box that spans the width and length of the hive. This creates a dedicated reservoir capable of holding significant quantities of liquid feed.
The Safety Mechanism
Crucial to the design is the inclusion of hardware cloth or a galvanized steel safety screen. This mesh is positioned to allow bees to climb down and access the syrup without becoming submerged.
Capacity and Sizing
These feeders are manufactured to fit standard equipment, specifically 8-frame and 10-frame hive dimensions. A standard top feeder for a 10-frame hive is designed to hold up to three gallons of syrup, making it a high-volume solution.
Integration and Protection
Placement on the Hive
The feeder is designed to sit directly on top of the upper hive box. Because it sits externally to the brood frames, it allows for easy refilling without disturbing the hive, reducing stress on the colony during feeding.
Environmental Enclosure
To function correctly, the feeder unit is typically enclosed within an empty hive box. This outer shell protects the feeder and the syrup from sun, wind, and rain.
Defense Against Robbing
The enclosure design serves a dual purpose by securing the syrup against robber bees from other colonies. By sealing the feeder inside an empty super, you restrict access solely to the colony you intend to feed.
Understanding the Trade-offs
The Necessity of Proper Enclosure
While the internal design prevents drowning, the system relies heavily on the external empty hive box for protection. Without this added layer, the large surface area of the syrup is vulnerable to weather contamination and aggressive robbing behavior.
Equipment Requirements
Unlike internal frame feeders, a top feeder adds height to your stack. You must have an extra, empty hive box available to house the unit properly, which increases the total equipment needed for each hive.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
When evaluating whether the basic design of a top feeder suits your apiary, consider your specific management needs.
- If your primary focus is rapid weight gain: The high capacity (up to 3 gallons) allows you to feed large amounts of syrup quickly without frequent refills.
- If your primary focus is minimizing colony stress: The design allows you to replenish feed without opening the brood chamber or smoking the bees, maintaining hive temperature and calm.
The top feeder offers a robust, high-volume solution that balances ease of access for the beekeeper with critical safety features for the bees.
Summary Table:
| Component | Description | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Reservoir Box | Shallow box matching 8 or 10-frame hive dimensions | Holds up to 3 gallons of syrup for fewer refills |
| Safety Screen | Hardware cloth or galvanized steel mesh barrier | Allows access to feed while preventing bees from drowning |
| Placement | Sits directly on top of the upper hive box | Enables refilling without disturbing the brood or colony |
| Enclosure | Housed within an empty hive super | Protects syrup from weather and prevents robbing behavior |
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