I plan on purchasing 3 packages this spring. I plan on using jar top feeders the first week or two. Can I thin use a community feeder placed approx. 100 yards away near their water source?
Yes and feed all the bees in your area for 3 miles :-D Some keepers like it some don't.
I live in a very rural area. Nearest neighbors are a mile away and I know of no one close that keeps bees. I'm thinking about keeping bees because I haven't seen any feral bees in quite some time.
LK.
Since you do not have any bees, this is a good time to do a test. Put a feeder out and see how many bees come to it.
Jim
Thanks I will give it a try
darn! The simplest answer always comes out and makes the most sense, huh?
Once they show up, you can try your hand at bee-lining. Maybe you can get loca l bees next spring. :)
With a couple packages, what is the point of community feeding. Feed direct will benefit more IMHO. If not the stronger hive gets the most. I can see the advantage to a large operation community feeding for time sake but not just a few packages.
Why do you want to open feed. The hives will get different amounts and it will guarantee the steonger hive gets stronger in proportion. IMO you get much more value by closed feeding.
Cheers
Rob.
Let us know the results of your open feeding test.
Jim