feeder mesh

[Brian Bush]

I wish to make some contact feeders from plastic containers. Can anyone advise on a suitable mesh and where to purchase please?

 

[Jimy Dee]

Brian,

I dont like the feeders you are talking about. I have seen weak hives get flooded with using them

I prefer the rapid feeder (with the internal cone and cover on top of it so the bees dont drown)

Just open the feed hole in the crown board and place it on top, and feed (and refill) away. It is up to the bees to draw it down as they see fit. It is a noninvasive way of feeding them.

I know this is not the answer to the question you asked but if you are going to spend a few bob on feeders, spend it on one of these.

Best of luck with what ever road you take.

 

[Dusty Rhodes]

I agree with Jimy Dee.

Better to buy a rapid feeder or an 'English' feeder for medium amounts of feed.

If feeding a lot - say to build up winter stores - get an Ashforth or Miller feeder, if you can afford the outlay.

Dusty

 

[alfazer]

I haven't tried this for syrup, but I would guess that a metal filter for an Aeropress coffee maker would be perfect. They are around 2 or 3 pounds on eBay.
(Aeropress makes an excellent coffee, by the way)

Or if you search using words like "gauze" or "metal filter" rather than "mesh" you might have success.

 

[Magwat]

You don't need to have the mesh. You can drill very small holes in the lid of a small bucket. The lid needs to be well fitting of course.

 

[Hivemaker.]

You don't need to have the mesh. You can drill very small holes in the lid of a small bucket. The lid needs to be well fitting of course.

That is what I do, half gallon, one and even two gallon buckets.

There is a very recent thread asking about where to acquire suitable mesh here.....

http://www.beekeepingforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=36792


And another about the subject here....

http://www.beekeepingforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=24439&highlight=feeder+gauze

 

[philipm]

Been making them for years .I use a needle heated up with a blow torch and held with pliers to make a patch of holes in the center of the lid. only one thing I would suggest is that you make sure that the container doesn't collapse under pressure or all the syrup will end up flooding the hive.