A feeding shim is a structural spacer designed to solve a geometry problem within the hive. Its primary purpose is to create the necessary vertical clearance between the top bars of the frames and the hive’s inner or outer cover. This added height accommodates the volume of hardened sugar bricks, ensuring the hive can be sealed completely without crushing the bees or obstruction from the feed.
Standard hive equipment is built to precise tolerances that leave no room for bulky solid food. A feeding shim acts as an adapter, modifying the internal dimensions of the hive to safely house emergency winter rations while maintaining a secure enclosure.
The Mechanics of Hive Spacing
The Limitation of Standard Equipment
Standard Langstroth or similar hives are engineered around the concept of "bee space."
This leaves only a fraction of an inch (typically 3/8") above the frames for bee movement.
Creating Vertical Clearance
Sugar bricks are significantly thicker than this available space, often measuring one to two inches in height.
Without a shim, placing a brick directly on the frames would prevent the lid from sitting flush.
Avoiding Obstruction
The feeding shim acts as a rim, raising the ceiling of the hive box.
This ensures that the hardened sugar bricks fit comfortably inside the hive without physically interfering with the cover.
Ensuring Colony Integrity
Maintaining the Hive Seal
The most critical function of the shim is allowing the hive cover to close fully.
If a sugar brick props the lid open, it breaks the propolis seal and creates gaps.
Protecting the Colony
A proper closure is vital for temperature regulation and pest exclusion.
By accommodating the feed internally, the shim ensures the bees remain protected from drafts, moisture, and intruders.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Equipment Compatibility
Adding a shim introduces a new variable to your hive stack.
You must ensure the shim matches the exact dimensions of your boxes to prevent creating new gaps where heat can escape.
Specialized Use Case
The shim is a single-purpose tool intended specifically for periods of supplemental feeding.
Leaving it installed without feed can result in bees building "burr comb" in the empty void, creating a mess for the beekeeper later.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To ensure your colony makes it through the winter, you must match your equipment to your feeding strategy.
- If your primary focus is feeding solid sugar bricks: You must install a feeding shim to provide the necessary vertical space for the food while keeping the hive sealed.
- If your primary focus is liquid feeding or standard operations: You should remove the shim, as the extra space is unnecessary and can lead to unwanted comb construction.
Using a feeding shim is the only way to introduce bulk solid feed without compromising the weather-tight security of your hive.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Purpose of Feeding Shim |
|---|---|
| Vertical Clearance | Creates 1-2 inches of space above frames for solid sugar bricks. |
| Hive Integrity | Ensures the inner/outer cover sits flush to maintain a weather-tight seal. |
| Bee Safety | Prevents the lid from crushing bees or breaking the propolis seal. |
| Temperature Control | Eliminates drafts and heat loss caused by poorly fitted hive covers. |
| Pest Exclusion | Closes gaps that would otherwise allow moisture or intruders into the hive. |
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