Boardman entrance feeders serve as a critical external interface for colony hydration and nutrition. Consisting of a glass jar with a perforated lid mounted at the hive entrance, these devices use atmospheric pressure to deliver a steady, controlled supply of liquid resources. They allow beekeepers to manage water or syrup levels visually without disrupting the colony, directly supporting the hive's internal climate and growth cycles.
By providing immediate access to clean water and nutrients, Boardman feeders eliminate the energy cost of long-distance foraging, which is essential for stabilizing hive temperature and supporting brood development.
The Mechanics of Delivery
Atmospheric Pressure Regulation
The core functionality of the Boardman feeder relies on physics rather than mechanical parts. It utilizes atmospheric pressure to hold liquid within an inverted glass jar.
As bees consume the liquid through holes in the perforated lid, the internal vacuum prevents the remaining syrup or water from flooding the entrance.
Strategic Entrance Placement
Unlike internal frame feeders, these devices are mounted externally at the hive entrance. This placement is deliberate, offering the colony a "doorstep" source of nutrition.
It ensures that resources are accessible immediately upon exiting or entering, minimizing the effort required to locate sustenance.
Critical Support for Colony Health
Regulating Hive Temperature
The role of the Boardman feeder extends beyond simple nutrition; it is a tool for climate control. Access to clean water is vital for the bees' ability to regulate the internal temperature of the hive.
By having water available at the entrance, bees can maintain the specific humidity and cooling required for survival without expending energy on distant water flights.
Facilitating Brood Rearing
Brood rearing—the raising of young bees—is a resource-intensive process that requires consistent moisture and food.
The Boardman feeder supports this biological imperative by ensuring the colony has a reliable supply of syrup or water nearby, preventing resource gaps that could stall brood development.
Operational Considerations
Non-Intrusive Monitoring
One of the distinct advantages of this system is the use of glass jars. This transparency allows the beekeeper to instantly assess liquid levels from a distance.
Resources can be monitored and replenished without opening the hive, preserving the colony's internal seal and reducing stress on the bees.
Cleanliness and Maintenance
Because the feeder is external and isolates the liquid, it helps ensure the colony accesses clean water.
However, the user must ensure the perforated lids remain clear and the glass jars are handled carefully to maintain the vacuum seal required for the pressure principle to work.
Applying This to Your Apiary Management
To effectively use Boardman entrance feeders, assess your current colony goals:
- If your primary focus is environmental control: specific water access is critical to help the colony regulate internal temperatures during extreme weather.
- If your primary focus is operational efficiency: rely on the visual transparency of the glass jar to check food stores without smoking or opening the hive.
By reducing foraging distance and allowing non-intrusive management, the Boardman feeder acts as a vital stabilizer for colony health and growth.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Function & Benefit |
|---|---|
| Mechanism | Atmospheric pressure delivery via inverted glass jar and perforated lid. |
| Placement | External hive entrance for "doorstep" access and easy monitoring. |
| Climate Control | Provides immediate water access for internal hive temperature regulation. |
| Management | Non-intrusive visual checks and refills without opening the hive body. |
| Growth Support | Reduces foraging energy costs to accelerate brood rearing and hive stability. |
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References
- Jamie Ellis, Jerry Hayes. Best Management Practices for Siting Honey Bee Colonies: Good Neighbor Guidelines. DOI: 10.32473/edis-aa137-2014
This article is also based on technical information from HonestBee Knowledge Base .
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