Top Feeders in the hive

A Survey Of All The Ways To Feed Bees Sugar Syrup Using a Feeder Bee

Updated

|

Time to read 16 min

Effective beekeeping requires the use of feeder bee systems during times when bees need additional food, calories, or energy. When we are talking about feeding sugar, we specifically talking about carbohydrates. Which is the energy adult bees need for daily function inside and outside the hive.


Pail feeders are one of the types of feeders used to supplement the bees' food source under specific temperature conditions.


We teach a lot of beekeeping classes and feeding bees is one of the most confusing parts of getting started. This article explores the different types of feeder options you have, what feeders to choose for you as well as what we have used at Foxhound Bee Co.

Discover the essential guide to bee feeders, understanding their types, when to use them, and feeding tips for healthier, thriving colonies.

Bee feeders support hive health by providing sugar syrup. Understand feeder types, best usage practices, and how Foxhound Bee Company can help.

Understand how different feeders meet seasonal needs, including choosing the right feeder type, mixing syrup, and adapting feeding methods over time.

The ability to feed bees is the best tool you have as a beekeeper so it’s important to understand how to feed bees. The role of bee feeders is simply just to provide bees easy access to sugar syrup in a targeted way. Some types of feeders are more targeted at helping a specific colony and some are for helping the entire apiary.

Key Takeaways
  • Bee feeders are vital for supplying bees with sugar syrup during times of food scarcity, such as harsh weather or establishing new colonies, and require careful usage and an understanding of when and how to feed the bees.

  • There are various types of bee feeders, each with specific features and applications; including entrance feederstop feeders, baggie feeders, frame or division board feeders, bucket or gravity feeders, and community feeders, all suited to different beekeeping situations and preferences.

  • Proper preparation and feeding of sugar syrup using the correct ratios for different seasons is crucial, as is choosing the right feeder according to the hive type, location, and personal beekeeping practices to ensure the health and productivity of the bee colony.

Understanding Bee Feeders and Their Importance

Bee feeders are part of our essential beekeeping toolkit and nearly every beekeeper should be using one when they get started. The beekeepers role in offering much-needed food to honey bees during times of food scarcity is pivotal, as it ensures their health and survival. 


While you don't always have to feed, there are a few times in a colony's life when it is extremely helpful to a colony.

For example, a colony that is brand new does not have much comb in the hive. 


A new colony without comb does not have a place for the queen to lay eggs. Feeding sugar syrup allows the bees to quickly draw comb and provides a place for the queen to lay eggs.


While beekeepers would ideally like their bees to sustain themselves without any assistance, this isn’t always possible. Factors such as harsh weather conditions, food scarcity, or the establishment of a new colony can necessitate the use of bee feeders. 


When a new hive is being established, it needs help getting carbohydrates as quickly as possible and a honey bee feeder is the best way to do that.

Top Feeder

Using feeders is not as straightforward as simply filling them and leaving the bees alone. It's wise to understand why and how to feed bees so you do more good than harm. It’s about knowing when to use a bee feeder, how to prevent drowning, and what type of feeder is best suited for your hive. And that’s exactly what we’re going to help you understand in the following sections.

The Role of Bee Feeders in Beekeeping

Consider bee feeders as a food reservoir for bees, not that dissimilar to a food trough for pigs. But while pigs just eat it and well, you know... Bees actually eat it and use the energy to build things with it. 


Sugar syrup provides nutrition to bees, particularly during periods when natural food availability is limited like during a nectar dearth . When used effectively, bee feeders can significantly enhance the productivity of the hive. 


You may observe heightened honey production as a result of enhanced foraging activity and better-prepared bees for the winter, ultimately leading to improved survival rates. All just by using a bee feeder full of sugar syrup.


However, it’s not just about placing the feeder and forgetting about it. Unfortunately, it's not like feeding birds where you just set it out and all is well. Effective management includes selecting the right feeder types based on seasonal variations, environmental factors, and hive requirements, as well as preventing bees from drowning.

Hive box with feeder

When to Use a Bee Feeder

Understanding the right time to use a bee feeder is as significant as knowing the correct way of using it. Feeders should be utilized when the bees require assistance, such as when establishing a new colony like when you install a nuc or a package. But remember, bees can typically sustain themselves without intervention when they are healthy. 


Overfeeding or feeding at the wrong time can lead to issues like robbing, where bees from one colony steal resources from another, usually weaker, colony.


Furthermore, feeding a hive during a nectar flow is not recommended as the bees can mix the sugar water with the flower nectar, resulting in impure honey when harvested. Therefore, it’s crucial to monitor your hive closely and understand their needs before deciding to use a bee feeder.

Drowning Bees

Although bee feeders play a key role in supplementing bees’ diet, they can potentially pose serious risks. One of the main challenges beekeepers face when using feeders is preventing bees from drowning in the syrup. 


This usually happens when bees gain access to the syrup through gaps or holes in the feeder, or when they encounter slippery surfaces they cannot grip. Some feeders get a bad reputation because of excess drowning. Sometimes it is well deserved.


Certain types of feeders, however, are designed to prevent this. Most of the feeders attempt to minimize bee drowning by adding texture to where the bees walk, reducing access, adding screen, etc... But no matter the type of feeder you use, it’s always important to exercise caution and monitor your bees regularly to ensure their safety and well-being.


When bees drown in feeders, the bees will eventually ignore the syrup as it speeds up the fermentation of the syrup. Historically, frame feeders, open feeders, and reservoir type feeders are the worst offenders, but there are tricks to keep this from happening.

Drowning Bees

Types of Bee Feeders

From entrance feeders to top feeders to baggie feeders, each type has its own unique set of features, advantages, and disadvantages. Choosing the right type of feeder for your hive can depend on a variety of factors, including the number of hives you manage, the specific needs of your bees, and the environmental conditions where your hives are located.


For a beekeeper, grasping these differences and making a well-informed choice on the most suitable type for your bees’ needs is vital. You get plenty of opinions about feeders and which ones are best. At Foxhound, we have decided which type of feeder we like the best 5 times. The point is that taste changes as well as the types of hives, amount of hives, locations of hives, time and budget.

Entrance Feeders

Entrance feeders, as the name suggests, are placed at the entrance of the hive. They consist of a jar positioned outside the hive and a feeding tray that can be inserted into the hive’s entrance for convenient access. 


This design allows for easy monitoring of the feed level due to the jar’s external placement. However, it carries the potential risk of freezing during colder periods.


Foxhound Bee Company has designed an updated entrance feeder that addresses some of these challenges. The Foxhound Entrance Feeders:

  • are constructed with UV inhibitor plastic

  • incorporate a multistep front design to accommodate various sizes of bottom board entrances

  • have a solid bottom that captures drips, minimizing the potential for robbing and streamlining the feeding procedure.

Top Feeders

Top feeders are positioned on the top of the hive and are known for their large capacity. They are specifically engineered for high-volume feeding and incorporate elements such as a galvanized steel safety screen to prevent drowning, as well as a robust, leak-proof construction. 


However, excessive access to the syrup can result in an increased number of bees drowning in the syrup. To mitigate this risk, beekeepers can implement a strategy of placing a removable cap over the bees’ access area to restrict their exposure to the syrup.


Despite these challenges, top feeders offer a reliable method of feeding your bees, especially in larger operations where efficiency is key.

Baggie Feeders

Baggie feeders get their name from their simple design: plastic feed bags filled with syrup. This method of feeding bees is popular due to its affordability and simplicity. 


However, baggie feeders can create messiness and necessitate frequent replacement of bags.


Despite these potential drawbacks, baggie feeders offer a cost-effective solution for beekeepers on a tight budget or those managing a smaller number of hives. And with careful management, such as refilling using a hive tool to lift the slit part of the bag and pour in more syrup, the challenges associated with baggie feeders can be effectively managed.

Baggie Feeder

Frame or Division Board Feeders

Frame feeders, also known as division board feeders, have a unique design that allows them to be inserted inside a hive, replacing one or more frames in the brood nest. They offer the advantage of facilitating rapid consumption of syrup, particularly beneficial during periods of high feed demand in the fall and spring, making the division board feeder an essential tool for beekeepers.

However, frame feeders are not without their challenges. Potential issues include:

  • The risk of bees falling into the syrup and drowning

  • Colonies building comb inside the feeder, thus reducing its capacity

  • The susceptibility of plastic frame feeders to warping and twisting in the box

To mitigate these challenges, some frame feeders incorporate a cap and ladder design, which prevents bees from accessing the main feeder volume and drowning.

Division Board Feeder

Bucket or Gravity Feeders

Bucket or gravity feeders use gravity to deliver syrup to bees. Positioned above the hives, they use gravity and vacuum pressure for dispensing syrup to the bees within the hive. 


This allows the bees to access the syrup from below, without having to leave the hive, thereby safeguarding the entire colony from external elements and robbing risks. 


Pail feeders have an embedded screen in the center to allow bees to access the syrup, and when the lid is inverted, bees can access the syrup through the screen.

Bucket or gravity feeders, also known as pail feeders, can be made from a variety of containers, including:

They should be modified accordingly and positioned above the bees in the hive, typically utilizing an inner cover with a central hole and a protective outer cover. These honey bee feeders are especially advantageous for promoting colony growth during spring build-up or when nourishing newly hived package colonies.

Gravity Feeder

Open Feeder or Community Feeders

Open feeding, also referred to as community feeding, involves the preparation and placement of sugar water in an open area for the bees to access and consume. 


While these open feeders offer the benefit of quicker and simpler feeding, they also present the drawback of potentially attracting pests like:

Despite these potential risks, open feeders can be a suitable feeding method for certain hive types, including Langstroth hives. However, it’s always important for beekeepers to consider the potential downsides and take necessary precautions when using open feeders.

Open Feeder

Sugar Syrup: Preparing and Feeding Your Bees

Having discussed the various types of feeders, let’s now focus on the preparation and feeding of sugar syrup to bees. This involves making the right syrup ratio, following proper feeding techniques, and filling feeders efficiently.


Preparing sugar syrup for bees involves mixing 1 part granulated sugar with 1 part warm water until the sugar is fully dissolved. Additionally, essential nutrients such as homemade honeybee healthy or pollen can be added to enhance the feed.


The recommended syrup ratios differ for spring and fall feeding, with a 1:1 ratio for spring and a 2:1 ratio for fall. It’s important to properly feed sugar syrup to ensure the health of your bees.


For a more in-depth look at sugar syrup preparation, feeding techniques, and ensuring the productivity of your bee colonies, check out "The Ultimate Guide to Sugar Syrup for Feeding Bees" by Pollen Peddlers.

Making Sugar Syrup

The ratio of sugar to water in the syrup you feed your bees is crucial. For spring feeding, which is aimed at stimulating brood development, a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water is recommended. This thinner syrup imitates the consistency of natural nectar and encourages the queen to lay eggs.


On the other hand, for fall feeding aimed at helping bees store away food for the winter, a thicker 2:1 sugar to water ratio is advised. This thicker syrup is less likely to ferment and mimics the consistency of honey, helping bees to store it away more easily for the winter.

Preparing sugar for bees

Feeding Tips and Techniques

Feeding your bees involves more than just the syrup; it’s also about the method and timing of feeding. It’s essential to feed bees with a specific goal in mind, be it to build up stores, raise brood, or prepare for winter. Overfeeding or unnecessary feeding can cause problems such as robbing and the production of impure honey, so it’s crucial to avoid these common pitfalls.


Another essential tip is to avoid spilling feed as it can cause robbing. It’s also important not to put too much feed at one time. A hive usually doesn’t need 4 gallons of syrup at once. By understanding the appropriate syrup ratios for seasonal feeding, incorporating essential nutrients, and being mindful to avoid overfeeding or spilling the syrup, you can ensure effective feeding practices for your bees.

How to Fill Your Feeders with Syrup

There are multiple methods available when it comes to replenishing your feeders with syrup. The simplest method is to pour syrup directly from a bucket into the feeder


However, this can be messy and might lead to spills. Alternatively, you can use a funnel, which allows for a more controlled pour and reduces the chance of spilling.


Pumps can also be used to transfer syrup from a storage tank directly to the feeder, making it a convenient option for larger operations. Regardless of the method you choose, remember to be careful to prevent spills, which can attract pests and cause robbing.

Beekeeper filling sugar syrup

Choosing the Right Feeder for Your Hive

Selecting the appropriate feeder for your hive is a significant move towards successful beekeeping. Factors like the type of hive you have, the location of your hive, and your personal preferences as a beekeeper can all influence which feeder is the best fit for you. 


Over time, as you gain more experience and your beekeeping operation evolves, you may find that what worked in the first year may not work in the tenth year. As such, it’s important to be flexible and willing to adapt to changes, even when it comes to choosing your bee feeders.

Factors to Consider

When choosing a feeder, consider the type of hive you have. Different hives, such as:

may require different types of feeders. The location of your hive can also influence your feeder choice. For instance, if your hive is in an area with limited natural food sources, an external feeder may be necessary to supplement the bees’ diet.


Your personal preferences as a beekeeper will also play a role in your feeder selection. You might prioritize ease of installation, monitoring capabilities, or feeder durability. Trying out different feeder types can help you discover what works best for you and your bees.

Adapting to Changes in Your Beekeeping Operation

As a beekeeper, it’s important to be able to adapt to changes in your beekeeping operation. Over time, you may find that your feeding methods need to be modified in response to changes in your operation. For instance, as your bee colony grows, you may need to change from one style of feeder to another to meet the increased food demands. 


Embracing change and being flexible is a key aspect of successful beekeeping. Remember, what works for you in year one may not work in year ten.


As your beekeeping operation progresses, be open to experimenting and modifying your methods to continually cater to your bees’ needs.

Foxhound Bee Company: Your Trusted Source for Bee Feeders

When it comes to sourcing your bee feeders, look no further than Foxhound Bee Company. We offer a diverse selection of high-quality bee feeders to suit the needs of different beekeepers and hive types. Whether you’re looking for:

We have you covered. We pride ourselves on assisting novice beekeepers in caring for their honey bees, and our bee feeders are a testament to that commitment. As a honey bee enthusiast, we value your feedback and are continually working to improve our feeders based on your needs.


So whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned beekeeper, trust Foxhound Bee Company to provide you with the best bee feeders and hive feeders for your hive.

Summary

In conclusion, feeding bees is an integral part of beekeeping that requires careful consideration and understanding. From knowing when to use a bee feeder to preventing bees from drowning, every aspect is crucial in ensuring the health and survival of your bees. 


We’ve covered the different types of feeders, their advantages and disadvantages, and provided tips on preparing and feeding sugar syrup to your bees. Whether you’re a novice beekeeper or a seasoned pro, we hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with valuable insights and practical tips on all the ways to feed bees sugar syrup. 


Remember, the key to successful beekeeping lies not just in the knowledge you have, but in the care and consideration you provide for your bees. So, let’s continue to support these amazing creatures and the vital role they play in our ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which bee feeder is best?

The top feeder is considered the best bee feeder by many beekeepers because of its easy refilling design and the steel safety screen to protect bees from drowning.

How does bee top feeder work?

A bee top feeder is a shallow box with a plastic reservoir for syrup placed on top of the hive, allowing bees access to the syrup while preventing them from drowning.

What can I use as a bee feeder?

You can use baggie feeders, which are made up of plastic feed bags and a frame placed under the hive's inner cover, allowing bees to access syrup easily. This is an effortless and effective way to feed your bees.

What are the different types of bee feeders?

Different types of bee feeders include entrance feeders, top feeders, baggie feeders, frame or division board feeders, bucket or gravity feeders, and open or community feeders. The choice of feeder depends on factors such as hive type, location, and personal preferences.

How do I prepare sugar syrup for feeding bees?

To prepare sugar syrup for feeding bees, mix 1 part granulated sugar with 1 part warm water until the sugar is fully dissolved, using a 1:1 ratio for spring and a 2:1 ratio for fall. How often should I feed my bees?


This largely depends on the season and the health of your colony. Generally, bees need to be fed in the spring to stimulate brood rearing and in the fall to prepare for winter. However, if your colony is weak or there's a nectar shortage, you may need to feed them more frequently.

Can I overfeed my bees?

Yes, overfeeding can lead to problems such as robbing, where bees from one colony steal resources from another, usually weaker, colony. It's important to monitor your hive closely and understand their needs before deciding to feed them.

What is the best time of day to feed bees?

The best time to feed bees is in the early morning or late evening when bees are less active. This minimizes the risk of robbing and allows the bees to distribute the feed throughout the colony.

Can I feed my bees honey?

Yes, you can feed your bees honey, but it's recommended to only feed them their own honey. Feeding bees honey from other hives or store-bought honey can spread diseases.

Adam Hickman owns Foxhound Bee Company and is a certified EAS Master Beekeeper. Before ever selling a box through Foxhound Bee Company, Adam wrote beekeeping blogs for education. Adam regularly teaches beekeeping classes through Foxhound Bee Co and also through his local beekeeping club.

0%
Christmas Snow
/* Delay dropdown opening on hover */ .dropdown-menu:hover .dropdown-menu { pointer-events: none; } .dropdown-menu:hover { pointer-events: auto; } .dropdown-menu:hover .dropdown-menu { transition-delay: 900ms; /* Adjust the delay as needed */ pointer-events: auto; }