So...should I get a frame feeder or a rapid feeder to replace the contact feeder that came with my budget kit?
Mine work fine.
depends on what and how you need to feed
in spring i prefer frames feeders in NUCs but in autumn i use a 2ltr rapid feeder, but thats a bit small if you have several hives to visit ( you may need to top it up twice a week) the advantage being you need not disturb the brood in wet or cold weather
also a jumbo rapid feeder is often used or miller etc, but then the syrup can go mouldy unless you add some essential oil or hivemaker thymol mix
Thanks for the suggestions MM. I'm thinking of winter feeding at the moment so maybe I should go for a rapid feeder.
I don't want to be spending money on the big feeders at the moment. I'm able to visit my solitary hive to top up a little feeder. Maybe I can rethink that when I end up with more
When the bees have nearly finished the syrup there must be a point where the vacuum cannot be maintained and some syrup drips down through the hive and presumably onto the floor. More risk of robbing and maybe some drowned bees..
MM,
Which one do you prefer and why?
Regards, RAB
the two litre rapid feeders are of two type, the standard one £hornes sell , these require a super to house them and the other is a low squat type that Park Bees sell, this sits under the roof but hold a little less than 2 litres, i have both
Do you have a picture of the park bees feeders?
I like the idea of those 2ltr especially as they dont need an empty super as well.
Thanks for the pics.
Please correct me if I'm wrong, but as I understand it they wont go up into a feeder if its cold, I guess if you're 'topping up' a hungry hive, but they will take from a contact feeder?
The idea is to make sure they have taken enough feed before it gets too cold. If it is very cold they wont feed from either contact or rapid feeder.
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