Which type of Feeder?

Chanticleer48 · February 05, 2014, 10:50:40 AM

I am new to beekeeping, (getting my 1st package of bees in March), the kit I purchased has a boardman feeder with it, my question is this....should I use the boardman feeder or use gallon ziplock bags on top of the broodchamber? I live in southwest Georgia where it is hotter than 3 hells in the summer. I have read the arguments about boardman feeders vs other types of feeders, but I would like to hear from real beekeepers with experience. Please give me your opinions.

Robo · February 05, 2014, 10:59:49 AM

Invert the boardman jar over the inner cover hole and put an empty hive body around it.

10framer · February 05, 2014, 11:10:30 AM

i use division board feeders but a lot of people don't like them. one reason is that up north they lead to a lot of condensation in the hive during winter, it's not much of an issue down here most years. another is drowned bees but using floats or wire mesh eliminate that. that being said, i don't feed often.

gov1623 · February 05, 2014, 11:32:30 AM

Gallon zip locks with 2 small slits work very well. Lay it down on the top bars and place an empty super over it. I found with this method, the bees take the feed faster because it stays warm

Vance G · February 05, 2014, 11:40:47 AM

Quote from: gov1623 on February 05, 2014, 11:32:30 AM
Gallon zip locks with 2 small slits work very well. Lay it down on the top bars and place an empty super over it. I found with this method, the bees take the feed faster because it stays warm

What he said. Just make sure the hive is level and the slits are thru the top side of the bag ONLY!

Feed until your bees have a frame or two of capped stores. If they get to the point they have little capped, start feeding again. Repeat as required.

Don't ever use a boardman feeder as intended. Just starts robbing. Best of luck with your new bees.

Bush_84 · February 05, 2014, 03:32:01 PM

The frame feeders at Mann lake have the option of coming with floats. The only bees that drown are the ones I drown when I dump feed into them. The inverted jars can't hold as much feed. I've had issues with ants with the top feeders. I've enjoyed the frame feeders. Never used boardman feeders. I figure robbing would be an issue. My two cents.

GSF · February 05, 2014, 08:11:56 PM

You can take that boardman feeder and place it somewhere besides the hive. Trust me, the bees will find it soon enough and they will go crazy if there's not much to eat anywhere else. One of the problems I have with mine is it does attract sugar ants, and that makes the bees a little irritable.

Chanticleer48 · February 06, 2014, 12:40:25 PM

I appreciate the information....thanks everyone.

Michael Bush · February 06, 2014, 09:27:25 PM

I just convert the bottoms into feeders...

http://bushfarms.com/beesfeeding.htm#bottom

AllenF · February 06, 2014, 09:47:19 PM

All frame feeders now.

MikeTheBeekeeper · February 07, 2014, 12:57:51 PM

Frame feeders work for me.

tefer2 · February 08, 2014, 10:18:42 AM

Frame feeders here. Just for the fact that they get left in the hive.
No moving on and off. Just slide over a smidge and fill.

capt44 · February 08, 2014, 11:14:49 AM

I am in Central Arkansas and I've got to say this has been a cold winter.
This time of year I stay away from liquid syrup types of feed.
I use fondant candy pour'd into my inner covers.
Now about the middle of February I will start 1-1 sugar syrup with Fumigilin-B and protein Patties.
This will stimulate laying.
I will start them on this when the temperature is above 50 degrees F so I can open the top of the hive.

10framer · February 08, 2014, 12:23:32 PM

i'm surprised to see so many people using the division board feeders. i thought they weren't popular these days.

tefer2 · February 08, 2014, 01:12:37 PM

Ours are not true division board feeders and have only a top entrance.
Most replace two frames and have cap and ladder system. "Mother Lode"
Placed on outside edge of hive body.
True division frame feeders have two entrances and divide the hive in two.

jayj200 · February 10, 2014, 05:52:49 PM

During the winter with snow & real cold, not like here South Florida. I would opt for a internal tray,witch won't leak or drip drip drip on the brood below. i use an entrance feeder down here and fill it every 2 days. mine are making honey now. if it freezes up there one would not recommend out side feeder. or a jar inside, one would need to fill regularly and often.
jay

up north the guys say no liquid feeders, just use granulated sugar pored on the iner-cover.
reason no dampness no condensation. reasonable

PS. look at "the bee vlog". see what not to do. some of his info is useable.