Using Glass Feeders Inside
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Homemade feeder, left, compared to Boardman feeder, right. (Charlotte Ekker Wiggins photo)
Using Glass Feeders Inside
One of the changes our state association made to recommended best management practices a couple of years ago was to no longer feed colonies outside the hives. Outside feeding encourages robbing and the spread of viruses carried by bees with compromised immune systems due to Varroa mites.
One of the more popular outside feeders are Boardman feeders, plastic or metal trays that hold sugar syrup-filled glass jars a half inch off the surface so bees can feed from the punctured tops. This design also has horizontal legs that hold the feeder at the hive front.
Even though those are no longer recommended on the outside of hives, the feeders can still be used by putting them inside the hive.
Boardman feeders used inside a hive to supplement feed. (Charlotte Ekker Wiggins photo)
And in the event you’re short of a feeder, you can make your own. The idea is to hold the jar lid off the ground so bees can access the upside down jar. A square piece of wood with two glued smaller pieces on either side will hold the jar so bees can feed.
So no need to throw out the Boardman feeders, they can still be used just not at the hive entrances.
