Three Options to Feed New Honeybee Colonies

Reader Contribution by Julia Miller

A new package of honeybees starting on completely new foundation require a considerable amount of sugar water to become established. At Five Feline Farm, we have tried three different types of feeders and developed a preference.

Boardman Feeders

First are the entrance feeders also referred to as Boardman feeders. Sugar water is held in a glass jar with a perforated lid that fits into a small flat box. The feeder inserts part way into the opening of the hive. Bees access it from inside the hive as the syrup drips slowly through the lid.

For our purposes, this is not an efficient method of feeding. Most significantly we found the syrup had to be replenished at least once if not twice a day. The second reason we have moved away from this style of feeder is the risk of robbers. The location of the feeder is external to the hive so predators such as raccoons and skunks may be attracted to the syrup.

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