Where do you put a hive top feeder? Do you put it directly over the super or do you put on an extra box? When I started I used an extra box, but now that it's cold, I wanted to take it off. When I tried to put the feeder directly on the frames, I felt like I was smooshing the bees! I'm doing something wrong!!!
Thanks,
Rachel
I put mine right on top of the brood nest... and it works just fine.
Hi Rachel!
I just put mine on top of the box too. The cover(without the inner cover) I put right on top of the feeder...It fits different but it stays put.
your friend,
john
I usually feed this time of year since the last 2 years we have had no fall flow, I cut my hives down to 2 deeps or deep and medium, hive top feeder goes on top of all, then the top cover gets put on 8-) .
Thanks! I felt the same way about the way the flat top sits directly on the frame. Worked well in the spring, but had ant problems as season warmed.
I have the top feeder on and wondering if I should feed in the winter. We will be very cold, 14 degrees F. tonight. Dry and windy. Have deep super, shallow with 9 full frames honey, then empty top feeder.
Annie,
Please update your profile with your location so we can better address your questions.
It sounds like you are in a cold climate, and feeding syrup is not a good idea. Uncured syrup has a high probability of causing dysentery in cold climates. You would be much better off feeding fondant, candy, or dry sugar if needed.
http://robo.bushkillfarms.com/beekeeping/emergency-feeding/
Annie, you posted this question on Nov 5, I see you haven't been active since then. If you read this thread, your question will be kind of answered. Robo said to not feed the sugar syrup, he is correct in what he is saying. By the sounds of it, your bees have quite a bit of honey, that should get them through this winter just fine, the colder it is, the tighter the cluster and the less honey consumed. It is the springtime when the bees begin to break cluster and begin brood rearing that the issues with starvation will usually come up. But for now, your bees really sound like they have stored enough, all on their own, smiling. Come back to our forum, we love those new members. Have a wonderful and awesome day and life, great health. Cindi