Bee Feeders and Drinkers

A good honey flow and healthy bees depend not only on natural conditions but, above all, on how beekeepers care for them. As bees are living creatures, they need food and water to remain viable. It is therefore the beekeeper’s responsibility to ensure the insects have constant access to bee feed. To do this, you need containers in which to place it. Today this is easy to solve, as beekeepers can use special drinkers and apiary feeders.

Features of using bee feeders

Beekeepers should remember that, to keep bees energetic, they need to be fed. Feeding bees usually begins in August. They may also be fed in early spring, if necessary, to encourage the insects to draw comb. In autumn, bees are fed to build up a large number of young bees for wintering.

To provide feed for bees, beekeepers can use various feeders, which may be part of the hive design, one of its components, placed inside the hive or attached to the hive wall. The choice of bee feeder depends on its design, purpose and the beekeeper’s own preference.

The most common types of feeders in an apiary are:

• top feeder — so called because it is placed above the frames in the hive. It is convenient to use, as you do not need to open the bee nest to give the bees feed. In addition, the feed stays warm in it for a long time.
• ceiling feeder – convenient for use with multi-storey hives. It is installed under the hive ceiling.

Feeders may also be positioned outside the hive, depending on their type. Such feeders will be accessible to bees throughout the apiary.

Some modern feeders allow different types of bee feed to be placed in them at the same time. This is possible because the feeder is divided into two separate sections.

Bee drinkers

Unlike feeders, bee drinkers filled with water should always be available to the insects. Water is especially necessary for bees in spring, when brood is being reared.

Bees must be provided with constant access to water. It is especially important to monitor the presence of water in hot weather, as it helps bees regulate their body temperature. If there is no drinker near the hive, bees will have to search for water themselves, during which the insects may die. In addition, a lack of water will significantly affect honey-gathering productivity.

Buy drinkers and feeders

In the ukrbee.ua online store, which specialises in beekeeping products, you will find around 10 different feeders and drinkers.

If you have any questions, call us or request a callback and we will contact you shortly.

Beekeepers may also need queen excluders in their equipment.