Open Feeding

[Paul Andersen]

There have been several people who have posted comments and pictures of open feeding. Some showing where they had taken an open source of syrup in a feeder/barrel and placed it in the middle of their hives. Other people have argued that this can start a robbing frenzy.

I was wondering if an open source was made available but place away from the hives, may 50 to 100 feet away, would still have the potential of causing Robbing.

Any thoughts or comments???

[Jerrymac]

Do it away from the hives. I do it about a hundred yards away. Around the hives could start a robbing frenzy.

[JP]

I guess it could start robbing but I have put frames of honey right up against hives in one of my yards with no consequence, to give them a little treat.

...JP

[Brian D. Bray]

There have been several people who have posted comments and pictures of open feeding. Some showing where they had taken an open source of syrup in a feeder/barrel and placed it in the middle of their hives. Other people have argued that this can start a robbing frenzy.

I was wondering if an open source was made available but place away from the hives, may 50 to 100 feet away, would still have the potential of causing Robbing.

Any thoughts or comments???

I commonally open feed.  I place the feeder from 50 to 100 feet away towards some other nectar source, such as the middle of my orchard or berry patch.  Letting the bees open feed in an area associated with foraging helps reduce the robbing syndrome.  Even if the nectar source is over for the year, feeding in that area still works that way.

[Michael Bush]

Sometimes it works.  Sometimes it starts a robbing frenzy.  Sometimes it starts a feeding frenzy.  If you have more surface area of sugar syrup (and a way to keep them from drowning), you'll have less of the feeding frenzy.

[Brian D. Bray]

Sometimes it works.  Sometimes it starts a robbing frenzy.  Sometimes it starts a feeding frenzy.  If you have more surface area of sugar syrup (and a way to keep them from drowning), you'll have less of the feeding frenzy.

True, that's why I use the same type feeder for common feeding as I do in the hive, 1 gallon paint cans with about 30 small holes in each lid.  The practice also imitates the flower.