When natural sources of nectar or pollen are limited, like in the early spring, during a dearth or extended periods of cold/rainy weather where bees are unable to forage, a beekeeper should consider adding supplemental feed to their hives. If you’ve considered the question “Will I need to feed my bees?” yourself and realized the answer is yes, the next step is deciding which type of feeder you’ll use.
There are many options available, but we’re here to help you choose the right one based on your needs, your beehive type and setup, and your bees’ needs.
Here are some common bee feeder types and the pros and cons of each:
Entrance Feeders: These are used for sugar syrup and provide easy access for the beekeeper to refill, however, the smell of syrup outside the hive attracts a LOT of interest from threats like robber bees (and possibly even bears!) so they may not be ideal in areas where these are concerns.
Bucket or Pail Feeders: These are placed inside your hive with the feeding holes directly over the inner cover, inside an empty hive body. Because they’re safe inside the beehive and can hold large volumes of sugar syrup, they are a popular choice for new and experienced beekeepers alike.
Frame Feeders: Also called “Division Board” feeders, these sit inside the hive in place of 1 or 2 frames that have been removed. While they are safe from the threat of robbing, they do require the removal of some frames, which reduces brood nest space (and could potentially increase the risk of swarming).
Hive Top Feeders: This choice of feeder is a favorite for many beekeepers, regardless of experience level. They can be used to hold large volumes of sugar syrup, keep food safe from robbers, and they can be filled or removed with little disturbance to the bees.
Other Supplemental Feed Considerations: Some types of supplemental feed, like pollen or winter patties, don’t necessarily require a special feeder and can be placed directly atop frames in the hive. When feeding pollen patties, ensure to keep patties elevated from frame tops using something like the “Trivet” patty holder to prevent small hive beetles (SHB) from accessing and hiding in patties.
Ultimately, the best feeder for you and your bees will depend on your existing equipment choices, your preferences as their beekeeper, conditions inside the hive, as well as your location’s climate, and what’s going on in the area around your bee yard.
Read More
When, What, and How to Feed Honeybees
Open or Closed Feeding – Which is best?
Nectar Storage and the Honey Ceiling
Helping Bees Through a Pollen or Nectar Dearth
Introduction to Feeding Honeybees *
Using Feeders with Your Beehive *
Tracking Hive Progress and Keeping Records *
* Colony Member-Only Content
