Honeybee Feed and Feeders

Honeybee feed and feeders are essential components of beekeeping, especially in regions like New England, where environmental factors can affect the availability of nectar and pollen. Here’s an overview of honeybee feed options and feeding methods specific to New England:

Honeybee Feed

  1. Sugar Syrup
    • Composition: Sugar syrup is the most common form of supplemental feed for honeybees. It is typically made from granulated sugar and water, mixed at a ratio of 1:1 (one part sugar to one part water) for a spring or stimulative feed, or 2:1 for a fall or winter feed to help the bees build up stores.
    • Usage: Sugar syrup is used to provide bees with an energy source, especially when natural nectar sources are low or during early spring and late fall when foraging is scarce.
  2. Pollen Substitutes
    • Types: Pollen substitutes are formulated to provide essential nutrients, such as proteins, fats, and vitamins. They may contain soy flour, brewer’s yeast, and other ingredients. Some common products include commercial pollen patties or powder.
    • Purpose: Feeding pollen substitutes can help stimulate brood production and support overall colony health, particularly in early spring when natural pollen sources may not yet be abundant.
  3. Protein Patties
    • Usage: These patties combine sugar and protein sources and are useful for promoting brood rearing during periods when natural pollen is limited.
    • Composition: They often include ingredients such as soy protein, brewer’s yeast, and fats. They can be placed directly onto the frames in the hive.
  4. Fondant
    • Composition: Fondant is a solid sugar feed made with powdered sugar and water or corn syrup, resulting in a thicker consistency that is suitable for winter feeding.
    • Usage: Fondant is typically used in late fall or winter when it’s cold outside, as it can be placed directly on the top bars of the frames without melting.

Feeders

  1. Boardman Feeder
    • Design: A Boardman feeder is an entrance feeder that attaches to the hive entrance. It allows bees to access sugar syrup from the outside.
    • Advantages: This type of feeder is easy to use and minimizes the risk of drowning for the bees. It is best for short-term feeding during periods of low nectar flow.
  2. Bottled Feeders
    • Design: A simple method involves using a plastic bottle (like a soda bottle) filled with sugar syrup. The bottle is turned upside down and can have small holes in the cap to allow syrup to drip out slowly.
    • Advantages: This feeder is easy to make and refill, making it suitable for quick emergency feeding.
  3. Hive Top Feeder
    • Design: These feeders sit on top of the hive and allow for easy access. They generally hold a larger volume of feed and have a design to prevent bees from drowning.
    • Advantages: Hive top feeders are excellent for longer feeding sessions and accommodate larger quantities of syrup, reducing the frequency of refills.
  4. Divided Feeder
    • Design: A divided feeder sits inside the hive and allows bees to access sugar syrup from the inside. It usually has two compartments that can hold sugar syrup while being protected from the bees.
    • Advantages: This type of feeder minimizes the risk of robbing behavior by keeping the syrup hidden from nearby colonies.

When to Feed Bees in New England

  • Early Spring: Feed bees as soon as they start to become active and before new forage sources bloom. The goal is to stimulate brood production and help build up colony strength.
  • Late Summer to Early Fall: Feed bees to ensure they have sufficient stores to survive the winter. This is particularly important as natural nectar sources begin to dwindle.
  • Winter Feeding: In extreme cold, fondant or sugar cakes can be provided if bees are low on stores.

Best Practices

  • Monitor Stores: Regularly check hive stores to determine when feeding is necessary. Use inspection techniques to assess whether bees have enough honey and pollen.
  • Sanitation: Clean feeders regularly to prevent mold and contamination. Avoid introducing feeder systems that encourage robbing behavior or disease transmission between colonies.
  • Gradual Introduction: If introducing new feeds, start gradually to help the bees adapt.

In summary

providing appropriate feeds and using the right feeding methods can help maintain healthy honeybee colonies in New England, especially during times of nectar dearth. This proactive approach supports colony growth and resilience, ensuring they thrive through seasonal changes.