Which feeder is right for you

There are several options for feeders. Each kind has its own use. Not any one feeder fits all situations. You may choose different styles and use them in combination. Listed below are some pros and cons of the feeders I have used.

All feeders should be removed or emptied if bees are not taking syrup. Unused syrup ferments, molds and attracts pests.

Boardman entrance feeder (inverted)

Probably the most popular for backyard beekeepers.
Quick and easy access.
If you are within sight of the hive, you can see the level of syrup.
No issues with bees drowning.
Bees take syrup well.
You can use different size Mason jars. Most common would be 1 qt. A ½ gallon mason jar can be used, if you can find one.
Can be used without removing the lid and disturbing the bees.
The Boardman mason lid and jar can be used on top, either externally or internally.
DO NOT use on the landing board during dearth or late fall. It will cause robbing, especially if you have multiple hives. In the fall, it attracts wasps, yellow jackets and hornets.
Use caution with glass jars. Broken glass can be dangerous. It is hard to clean up a mixture of broken glass and syrup.
Attracts ants.
May need a custom frame entrance reducer.
Temperature change or barometric pressure will cause it to leak. This is not a problem if bees are consuming rapidly.

Round top in-hive feeder

Holds ½ gallon.
Doesn't promote robbing.
Bees take syrup well.
It requires either an extra box or spacer, which you can make easily.
Bees will take syrup in cooler weather since the hive keeps it warm.
Doesn't cause moisture inside the hive. The lids keep moisture in the feeder. Water droplets form on the bottom of the feeder lid and drip back into the feeder.
You have to remove the hive lid to refill.

Top feeder

Allows up to 3 gallons.
Bulky.
Lid must be removed to refill.
Syrup will slosh when trying to move the feeder if it is not empty, which makes it difficult when inspecting the hive.
There are many different designs and I have only used 1. They are last on my list.

Bucket feeder (inverted)

Comes in sizes from 1 to 2 gallons.
Can be used internally or externally.
Bees take syrup well.
Good when feeding a remote apiary or you do not have time to feed frequently.

Inverted feeders (jars & bucket feeders)

The principles are the same for all inverted feeders. They rely on vacuum to keep the liquid from running out. When inverted, they leak until a vacuum is formed, so the fuller they are, the less they leak. Most of them can be used internally or externally. An empty hive box can be used to enclose them. They can be preloaded before going to your apiary. Use a lid without holes, then swap lids. That helps with drips and spills.

If using internally, hold it over the inner cover when inverting so drips will be inside. Hold it far away from the hive or directly over the hole when using externally. Do not let it spill on the outside of the hive.

Cutting a hole 2 7/8" (70 mm) in the inner cover or migratory lid will allow either a Boardman style mason jar feeder to fit securely in place or accept a bucket feeder. Multiple holes can be cut to accept more jars. A hole works much better than setting the jar on shims. It will not tip over and the bees can access it from the top of a frame. Save the cut out to make a plug for the hole.

Drop-in frame feeder / division feeder

Comes in sizes from 1 to 2 gallons and is available for both deeps and mediums.
Good when feeding a remote apiary or you do not have time to feed frequently.
Can cause moisture build up in cooler weather.
Issues with bees drowning. Straw, sticks, pieces of sponge or wine corks can be used to help prevent drowning.
Lid and inner cover must be removed. The inner cover can be slid over without removing, if the feeder is on the side of the hive.

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