The primary purpose of an inverted can feeder is to utilize air pressure vacuum principles to deliver a precise, continuous supply of syrup to a developing colony. This method ensures that bees have immediate, regulated access to nutrition without the risk of spills, which is critical for stabilizing a new package of bees.
Core Insight Inverted can feeders do more than just feed; they act as a biological trigger. By simulating a constant nectar flow, they stimulate the secretion of wax for comb building and encourage the queen to begin egg-laying, accelerating the colony's transition from a fragile cluster to a productive hive.
The Mechanics of Delivery
Utilizing Air Pressure
The inverted can relies on a vacuum seal created by air pressure.
As bees consume the syrup through small holes in the lid, the internal pressure regulates the flow.
Precision and Consistency
Unlike open feeding methods, this system prevents the syrup from flowing too freely.
It ensures the colony receives a steady, continuous supply of nutrition, which is necessary to maintain the energy levels required for high-activity tasks.
Biological Stimulation
Triggering Wax Secretion
For a new colony to survive, it must build comb immediately.
The consistent intake of syrup from the feeder provides the high caloric energy worker bees need to secrete wax.
Encouraging Brood Rearing
A steady food supply signals resource abundance to the colony.
This environmental cue encourages the queen to lay eggs and nurse bees to develop the glands necessary for feeding larvae, directly accelerating population growth.
Risk Mitigation: Preventing Robbing
The Danger of Spills
In the early stages, a new colony is vulnerable and cannot easily defend itself.
Open sources of syrup or messy spills can attract robber bees from stronger nearby colonies, leading to fatal conflict.
Containing the Scent
Because the inverted can uses a vacuum seal, it drastically minimizes leaks and spills.
This keeps the scent of the syrup contained within the hive, protecting the establishment phase from external threats.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Limited Capacity
Inverted cans generally hold less volume than large hive-top box feeders.
You may need to refill them more frequently to maintain the continuous flow required for establishment.
Disruption During Refills
To refill an inverted can, you typically must open the hive cover.
Frequent checking can disturb the temperature regulation of the cluster, so efficiency during refills is essential.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
When establishing a new colony, your choice of feeding method dictates the speed of your success.
- If your primary focus is Rapid Establishment: Prioritize the inverted can to ensure the continuous energy flow required for immediate comb building and brood rearing.
- If your primary focus is Colony Security: Use the inverted can to minimize scent and spills, effectively eliminating the risk of robbing during the colony's most vulnerable week.
By controlling the flow of nutrition, you are not just feeding bees; you are engineering the conditions for rapid biological expansion.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Benefit for New Colonies | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum Seal | Prevents spills and leaks | Air pressure regulation |
| Continuous Supply | Stimulates wax secretion & egg-laying | Biological simulation of nectar flow |
| Scent Containment | Minimizes the risk of robbing | Sealed internal delivery |
| Controlled Flow | Maintains high energy for comb building | Regulated drip-free access |
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References
- Gloria DeGrandi‐Hoffman, Lloyd Schantz. Population growth of Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae) in commercial honey bee colonies treated with beta plant acids. DOI: 10.1007/s10493-014-9821-z
This article is also based on technical information from HonestBee Knowledge Base .
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