Baggie feeders are a practical internal feeding method utilizing 10-inch by 13-inch plastic bags filled with syrup and placed horizontally across the brood chamber frames. Application involves installing a feeder shim to create vertical clearance and making small slits on the bag's upper surface to allow bees access to the feed.
Baggie feeders optimize commercial hive management by placing feed directly above the cluster using simple, disposable materials. The system relies entirely on the use of a spacer shim to accommodate the feeder's volume without crushing the bees or the bag.
Component Setup and Requirements
The Bag Specification
The standard configuration for this method utilizes 10-inch by 13-inch plastic bags. These dimensions are ideal for holding a sufficient quantity of syrup while fitting within the footprint of a standard hive body.
The Necessity of a Shim
You cannot place filled bags directly under a standard hive cover. You must employ a feeder shim.
This wooden rim provides the essential vertical space needed between the top of the brood chamber and the inner cover. Without this added height, the hive cover would compress the bag, potentially causing leaks or killing bees.
Application Workflow
Positioning the Feeder
Filled bags are laid horizontally directly on top of the brood chamber frames.
This position places the food source immediately above the cluster, which is thermally advantageous. The warmth rising from the brood nest helps keep the syrup at a consumable temperature.
Creating Access Points
Once the bag is in position, the beekeeper creates access for the colony using a sharp implement.
You must make small slits solely in the upper surface of the bag. This allows bees to climb onto the bag and feed from the top without the syrup draining out due to gravity.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Incorrect Slit Placement
A critical error in application is cutting the bag incorrectly. Slits must remain on the top face of the bag.
If cuts extend to the sides or bottom, the syrup will leak onto the brood frames, drowning bees and attracting pests.
Omitting the Shim
Commercial operators sometimes attempt to expedite the process by skipping the shim.
This is a structural failure point. The feeder shim is mandatory to accommodate the height of the filled bag; without it, the equipment cannot close properly, exposing the colony to the elements.
Optimizing Your Feeding Strategy
If you are implementing baggie feeders, consider these strategic focal points:
- If your primary focus is rapid deployment: Pre-fill your 10x13 bags to ensure a fast workflow once you open the hives.
- If your primary focus is equipment longevity: Ensure your feeder shims are robust enough to support the hive cover without warping over time.
Correctly applied, baggie feeders provide a direct, thermally efficiency method for delivering carbohydrates to your apiary.
Summary Table:
| Component/Step | Requirement | Key Benefit/Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Bag Specification | 10" x 13" Plastic Bag | Fits standard hive footprint; holds optimal syrup volume |
| Essential Hardware | Feeder Shim (Spacer) | Provides vertical clearance; prevents crushing bees/bags |
| Placement | Horizontal on brood frames | Keeps syrup warm via rising heat from the cluster |
| Access Method | Small slits on upper surface | Prevents gravity leaks while allowing easy bee access |
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