The Ultimate Guide to Honey Bee Syrup Feeders: Frame, Top, Entrance, and Baggie Feeders
Providing supplemental feed to your bees is essential, especially during times of nectar scarcity. Choosing the right feeder can make a significant difference in ease of use, hive disruption, and feeding efficiency. In this guide, we’ll break down the four main types of honey bee feeders: frame feeders (Pro Feeder), top feeders, entrance feeders, and baggie feeders. So, let's dive in and find out which feeder is the bee’s knees!
Frame Feeders (Pro Feeder)
Frame feeders, often called division board feeders, are placed inside the hive, replacing a frame or two. A popular choice among beekeepers is the Pro Feeder, designed to minimize drowning risks with built-in ladders and floaters.
Pros:
- Located inside the hive, protecting the syrup from robbers and external contamination.
- Holds a large volume of feed, reducing the need for frequent refills.
- Ideal for colder weather as it keeps the feed accessible inside the hive.
Cons:
- Requires opening the hive to refill, potentially disturbing the colony.
- Takes up frame space that could otherwise be used for brood or honey storage.
✨Buzz-worthy Tip: If you want a feeder that keeps your bees well-fed without outside interference and close proximity to the brood nest, the Pro Feeder is a honey of a choice! Follow this link for printable Benefits and Use Instructions.
Top Feeder
Top feeders sit on top of the hive, under the outer cover, and can hold a substantial amount of syrup. They come in different styles, including tray feeders and bucket feeders with small access holes for the bees.
Pros:
- Large capacity, requiring fewer refills.
- Easy to refill without significantly disturbing the colony.
- Keeps feed protected from robbing and weather conditions.
Cons:
- More expensive than entrance or frame feeders.
- Can develop mold or ferment if not cleaned regularly.
- Some models can allow bees to drown if not properly designed.
✨Sweet Insight: A top feeder is great if you don’t want to bother your bees too much—just lift the lid, pour in the syrup, and let them do their thing! Follow this link for printable Benefits and Use Instructions.
Entrance Feeders
Entrance feeders are simple and easy to use, consisting of a small jar or reservoir placed at the hive entrance. This type of feeder is great for quick feeding solutions and monitoring syrup levels at a glance.
Pros:
- Convenient and easy to refill without disturbing the hive.
- Affordable and great for beginners.
- Allows for easy monitoring of feed levels.
Cons:
- Higher risk of robbing since the syrup is exposed at the entrance.
- Limited capacity, requiring frequent refills.
- Not ideal for cold weather as bees may not venture outside to feed.
✨Bee Smart: Entrance feeders are great for new beekeepers, but keep an eye out for unwanted dinner guests (aka robbers)! Follow this link for printable Benefits and Use Instructions.
Baggie Feeders
Baggie feeders are 10x13” plastic bags filled with syrup and placed inside a feeder shim on top of the brood chamber. Beekeepers make small slits in the top of the bag to allow bees to access the syrup without drowning.
Pros:
- Simple and cost-effective feeding method.
- Reduces the risk of robbing since the syrup is inside the hive.
- Provides a large feeding surface for bees to access syrup safely.
Cons:
- Requires careful handling to prevent leaks.
- Must be replaced regularly as bags are not reusable.
- Needs a feeder shim to accommodate the bag’s height.
✨No Spills, No Frills: Just slice, sip, and let the bees slurp up their syrup buffet with a baggie feeder! Follow this link for printable Benefits and Use Instructions.
Which Feeder is Right for You?
The best feeder depends on your beekeeping goals, climate, and hive management style. If you need a high-capacity, internal feeder, the Pro Feeder is an excellent choice. For ease of refilling, top feeders are a great option. If you’re looking for a quick and affordable feeding solution, entrance feeders might be right for you. For an inexpensive and simple in-hive feeding method, baggie feeders are a great alternative.
No matter which feeder you choose, always ensure that your bees have access to clean, fresh syrup when natural nectar sources are scarce. Happy beekeeping! ?✨