Hive Health & Inspection
Hive Feeder
Delivers syrup or fondant without drowning the bees.
A feeder is the hardware half of feeding; the syrup recipe is the other half. The design question is always the same: how do you deliver a large volume of liquid sugar without letting bees drown in it and without encouraging robbing?
Top feeders sit above the brood box and hold several litres behind a float or a screened access. Division-board feeders replace an outer frame and let bees feed from inside the hive, which reduces robbing. Frame feeders hang inside the box like a frame. Entrance feeders are cheapest but the most robbery-prone.
At a glance
Safety
Never feed syrup of unknown origin or honey from another hive — it can transmit disease spores. Never feed during a nectar flow if you intend to harvest, and never leave open syrup exposed; it starts robbing that can destroy weak colonies.
Using it well
- Choose a feeder you can refill without opening the brood nest. Every opening costs the colony heat.
- Fit a float or ladder. Drowning is the most common way feeders kill bees.
- Feed in the evening. Bees take syrup down overnight and robbing pressure is lowest.
- Clean and dry feeders between uses — fermented syrup makes bees sick.
Compatibility
Hive types
- Langstroth
- Flow
Bees
European honey bee (Apis mellifera)
Educational reference only. Hive & Honey sells no equipment and takes no sponsorship. Specifications here describe typical products in this category; check the actual figures for the item you own or intend to buy. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and your local regulations.