I just installed a 3 lb package in a top bar hive. Any suggestions on feeding methods. I guess in my haste to get this hive going, I really didn't think about how to feed syrup when needed... Any help would be appreciated.
A one gallon zip lock back with about a half gallon of syrup in it, layed on the bottom in the back with two slits in it.
That or a boardman feeder inside in the back.
I would think there would be a flow about now and they will probably do fine without a feeder. I've never tried to feed a top bar hive when I installed them.
I though it might help get them started building comb but I was also thinking about next spring. Do you think it will give them a jump building comb? If the regualr nectar flow is enough, I can leave it at that. I even have thought of setting a deep on top of the hive with a bar removed below it and a frame feeder in the deep.
Anyway, thanks for your advice. You must spend a lot of time answering dumb questions from us newbies but we sure couldn't do it without you...
Thanks!
Hi-Tech,
Just set a regular feeder in the back facing the front if your hive is deep enough. If you don't have a feeder you can make one like I did out of thin birch like this one........
(http://image59.webshots.com/59/3/67/48/2038367480043489859ejhbDY_ph.jpg)
Pallan,
I don't see the image...
Hi-Tech, I'm curious what you ended up doing. Our bees are on the way, might even get here tomorrow. We'll be installing 3lb. package into our top bar hive. Don't have a feeder, so it would have to be the gallon bag.
It helps much tiny colony if you give to them foundations. They has hard work to draw up even them .
Give later top bars when hive allready has one box of bees.
I did the bag in the bottom this time but I am going to build a bar feeder of somekind for this winter...
Quote from: Hi-TechI am going to build a bar feeder of somekind for this winter...
????????????????........hi-tech?
Idea is to feed hive full of sugar in the end of summer. Continuous feeding in winter is harmfull.