Best for fall feeding
Top Feeder
Sits above the brood box with a screened access ladder; holds gallons at a time.
Equipment & Gear
Bee Feeders: Feeding Without Making a Mess
Feeders deliver syrup cleanly and safely. The right type depends on season, colony strength, and how many hives you're feeding.
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Choose a Feeder Type
| Type | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance feeder | Quick top-ups and new colonies | Can encourage robbing from other hives |
| Top feeder | Fall feeding of many hives | Heavy when full; needs a spacer box |
| Frame feeder | Feeding inside the brood nest | Can drown bees without a float or ladder |
Syrup mixes: 1:1 sugar-to-water in spring to stimulate brood and comb building; 2:1 in fall to top up winter stores quickly. Never feed honey or unknown syrup — it can spread disease.
Recommended Feeders
Best for new colonies
Entrance Feeder
Slides into the entrance and refills fast; keep the opening reduced to limit robbing.
Best for inside feeding
Frame Feeder
Replaces one frame and feeds syrup right in the brood nest, even in cold snaps.
Feeding Rules of Thumb
- Feed spring colonies that need to draw comb, and fall colonies that are light.
- Stop syrup feeding before you add honey supers you plan to harvest.
- Never open-feed outdoors — it spreads disease and starts robbing wars.