Top Bar Feeding

Hi-Tech · May 15, 2006, 12:17:30 AM

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.

Michael Bush · May 15, 2006, 08:34:45 AM

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.

Hi-Tech · May 15, 2006, 02:33:17 PM

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!

pallan · May 15, 2006, 06:03:35 PM

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........

Hi-Tech · May 15, 2006, 11:35:58 PM

Pallan,

I don't see the image...

Piper · May 24, 2006, 10:57:43 PM

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.

Finsky · May 25, 2006, 12:00:37 AM

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.

Hi-Tech · May 25, 2006, 01:40:12 AM

I did the bag in the bottom this time but I am going to build a bar feeder of somekind for this winter...

Finsky · May 25, 2006, 01:41:51 AM

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.