Sorry if this seems like a dumb question and I tried to find a answer in the search but how do the inverted jar feeders work that are place in the top of the hives. what keeps the feed from spilling out
Vacuum. The bees have to suck the feed out of the holes in the jar. When there is enough vacuum the jar will pull more air into it, but not enough to push the feed out.
Now if your temperatures are like the ones here in the summer time, a 30 degree (F) difference from day to night, the night temps contract and draws in air and the day temps heat the whole thing up and pushes the feed out. So if the bees aren't taking it in much I just pull the jars.
If you have one in mind, you can test it by filling it with water and inverting it. Syrup leaks less than water because of its viscosity.
Small holes in the lid and rigid material is a key here too. Some feed containers(pails) actually use a fine mesh instead of holes for the feed area.
-r
Quote from: Scadsobees on December 06, 2007, 04:23:31 PM
If you have one in mind, you can test it by filling it with water and inverting it. Syrup leaks less than water because of its viscosity.
Good advise.
QuoteSmall holes in the lid and rigid material is a key here too. Some feed containers(pails) actually use a fine mesh instead of holes for the feed area.
I use 1 gallon paint cans and put holes in them using the frame nails. Just a short tap so that the hole still has the 4 sided triangle look to it--if the hole is round it's too big. With metal and using frame names for making the holes I've had very little flux or breathing of the container that forces syrup out of the container.
Quote from: Brian D. Bray on December 07, 2007, 12:01:01 AM
put holes in them using the frame nails
I assume that you mean the little nails used to put together frames with, not the big 16d framing nails.... :roll:
http://www.bushfarms.com/beesfeeding.htm#inverted
Quote from: Scadsobees on December 07, 2007, 09:06:15 AM
Quote from: Brian D. Bray on December 07, 2007, 12:01:01 AM
put holes in them using the frame nails
I assume that you mean the little nails used to put together frames with, not the big 16d framing nails.... :roll:
Correct. Brads not sinkers.
My 2¢ on feeders -> http://robo.bushkillfarms.com/beekeeping/feeder-compare/
physics