how to improve a frame feeder

[mathew]

I just bought a new frame feeder which holds 1gln of syrup in the super. It is one of those black plastic that fits nicely in a hive. I was puzzled why the nuc has not been taking in the sugar syrup after a week has passed. I only realized yesterday that the design of this frame feeders have changed and the grooves on the wall are not suitable for the bees to climb up. I have always been using frame feeders and the other 2 hives that have them have finished the syrup i gave. This frame feeder design problem have set this poor nuc 2 weeks behind in their winter feeding now.

Does anyone have any idea how to quickly remedy this problem without going to my bee store to buy another proper feeder? I was thinking of placing lots of wooden chopsticks as a float but the problem is when their feet is wet and tummy heavy with syrup they will still fall back down. For eg. Ideas to make a quick and easy bee ladder and the ladder has to be able to sink into the syrup.

[hardwood]

Put a piece of metal window screen the same width as the feeder (interior measurement) and slightly taller than the feeder down both sides of the feeder. Bend the top down to hold it in place.

Scott

[AllenF]

I have used screen, hardware cloth, sticks, and wood strips.   I now use the yellow frame feeders that have  a black floating plastic thing inside for them.  But for the black ones, use very coarse sandpaper to rough up the inside and a couple strips of screen will work. 

[mathew]

Thanks for placing the ideas in my head! I just realized a stove top filter will work perfect for this purpose too. Wood I can find as well.Its hard to find metal window screens, although that would be perfect. as well as hardware cloth but also hard to find where they sell in small qty.

[tecumseh]

snip..
I was puzzled why the nuc has not been taking in the sugar syrup after a week has passed.

tecumseh:
perhaps you should consider that the uptake of feed is not totally dependent on the feeder's design.