Internal hive feeders fall into two primary categories: hanging feeders that fit inside the hive body like a frame, and hive-top feeders that sit above the frames. These devices are designed to provide the colony with essential sugar syrup while protecting the food source from external weather conditions and robbing insects.
By placing feeders inside the hive, you prioritize the safety and accessibility of the food source. The choice between a frame-style feeder and a hive-top feeder largely depends on whether you prefer integrating the syrup into the brood nest or placing it above the colony for easier access.
Hanging Frame Feeders
The Mechanism of Action
Hanging feeders, often referred to as frame feeders, are shaped to mimic the dimensions of a standard honeycomb frame.
These units are designed to replace one of the existing frames within the hive body.
Division Board Feeders
A specific subtype of the hanging feeder is the division board feeder.
These fit tightly between two frames or take the place of a wall frame.
The supplementary data notes that this design helps minimize the risk of robbing by keeping the syrup deep within the hive's protected zone.
Hive-Top Feeders
Box-Style Feeders
One common type of hive-top feeder consists of a specially designed hive box.
This sits directly on top of the brood box, allowing bees to come up and feed without leaving the hive.
Inverted Bucket Feeders
Another method involves using an inverted bucket or pail.
According to the primary reference, these buckets are equipped with a screened hole in the lid.
The bucket is placed upside down over the inner cover hole, using vacuum pressure and the screen to release syrup only as the bees consume it.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Protection vs. Convenience
All internal feeders offer a distinct advantage over external feeding: they shield the bees from the elements.
External feeders, such as open 5-gallon buckets, require floating perches to prevent drowning and expose bees to weather. Internal feeders eliminate wind and rain exposure.
Security Against Pests
Internal feeders are generally superior for preventing robbing behavior from other colonies or wasps.
Because the syrup is contained inside the hive—specifically with division board feeders—the scent is masked, and the colony can defend the resource more easily than an external source.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
Selecting the correct feeder depends on your management style and the specific needs of the colony.
- If your primary focus is security against robbing: Choose a division board feeder, as it places the syrup deep between frames where the colony can best defend it.
- If your primary focus is high capacity and separation: Opt for a hive-top box feeder, which keeps the bulk of the liquid above the brood nest.
- If your primary focus is using simple equipment: Use an inverted bucket with a screened hole, which effectively dispenses syrup without complex hardware.
The best feeder is one that keeps the syrup accessible to the bees while keeping the colony secure from competitors.
Summary Table:
| Feeder Type | Placement | Capacity | Main Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frame/Division Board | Replaces a frame inside the hive | Medium | Superior protection against robbing |
| Hive-Top Box | Sits above the brood chamber | High | Large volume, easy to refill |
| Inverted Bucket | Over the inner cover hole | Variable | Simple equipment; vacuum-sealed dispense |
| Internal Feeders | Inside the hive body | Various | Protects bees from weather & pests |
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