What Should Be Done If A Feeder Is Too Deep To Fit Under The Hive Roof? Expert Solutions For Safe Colony Feeding

If your contact feeder is too deep to fit under the hive roof, the immediate solution is to add an empty super to the stack. Placing this box directly above the crownboard creates a protective enclosure that accommodates the height of the feeder while allowing the roof to close securely.

The goal is to gain vertical clearance without compromising the hive's seal. Using a super as a spacer allows you to use larger capacity feeders while keeping the colony secure from outside threats.

Creating the Necessary Clearance

Utilizing an Empty Super

You do not need specialized equipment to solve a height issue with a tall contact feeder. An empty honey super acts as a perfect "eke" or spacer for this purpose.

Proper Positioning

Place your crownboard on top of the brood box as you normally would. Position the feeder over the feed hole to ensure bees have access to the syrup.

Once the feeder is in place, set the empty super on top of the crownboard. This surrounds the feeder, protecting it and providing a level surface for the roof.

Critical Security Considerations

The Danger of Gaps

When modifying the hive configuration, you must remain vigilant about the seal. It is crucial to ensure the roof fits properly over the added super.

Preventing Robbing Behavior

The primary risk during feeding is robbing. This occurs when bees from other colonies smell the syrup and attempt to steal it.

If your roof does not fit flush against the super, the resulting gaps allow the scent of syrup to escape. This invites intruder bees, which can overwhelm your colony and deplete their resources.

Ensuring a Secure Feeding Environment

To successfully feed your colony without inducing stress or theft, follow these guidelines:

If your primary focus is Equipment Configuration: Place an empty super above the crownboard to house the feeder and support the roof.
If your primary focus is Colony Safety: Inspect the perimeter of the roof and super for gaps to prevent robbing by rival bees.

By ensuring a tight seal around your feeder, you provide your bees with essential nutrition while keeping competitors locked out.

Summary Table:

Component	Action/Role	Importance
Empty Super	Acts as a vertical spacer (eke)	Houses tall feeders so the roof can close
Crownboard	Positioned under the super	Provides feeder access while insulating the brood
Roof Seal	Must fit flush against the super	Prevents the scent of syrup from escaping
Robbing Prevention	Elimination of gaps	Keeps intruder bees and pests from attacking the colony

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