A feeder is the vessel that delivers syrup or water to a colony. The choice directly affects both how well feeding works and the risk of robbing.

The basic rule

Feeding is done inside the hive and colony by colony. Open feeding starts robbing, spreads disease and feeds the strongest colony rather than the one in need.

Types

Frame feeder

Placed in the brood box in place of a frame. The bees reach it without leaving the hive.

• The lowest risk of robbing
• A climbing surface or floating material against drowning is essential
• It occupies a frame space

Top feeder

Sits above the crown board.

• Holds a large volume; practical for autumn feeding
• Can be filled without opening the hive
• Bees may struggle to move up in cold weather

Inverted container

A perforated lid on an inverted jar or bucket. Cheap and simple; placed over the frames or on the crown board opening.

Entrance feeder

A small type fitted at the entrance. Easy to fill but the type most likely to start robbing; the smell of syrup carries outside.

It should not be used during a dearth or on weak colonies.

Drowning

This is the commonest design fault. A feeder without a climbing surface drowns large numbers of bees.

Floating material, a grid or a roughened inner surface prevents it.

Materials

Food-grade plastic or stainless steel. Syrup is acidic and corrodes unsuitable metal.

Use

• Feed in the late afternoon, once flight has ended
• Do not spill. Spilt syrup attracts robbing
• Match capacity to the colony. Refilling a small feeder often disturbs the colony
• Use fondant in winter. Liquid feed cannot be processed in the cold

Hygiene

• Clean feeders regularly; residues go mouldy and ferment
• Do not move them between colonies without cleaning
• Store unused feeders dry