The basic equipment for feeding bees
In the online store of Beekeeping Professional you can get a comprehensive selection of products that are helpful for feeding bees. You need the appropriate designs for your hives. Very popular among them are the feeding frames. They are tailored for feeding with liquid feed, which is very popular especially for the winter period. Depending on the hive, you can find frames with different capacities. Versions with 10 to 12 liters are common. If you work with a feed mash or also a solid feed, the feed trough is the better choice. The bees can reach the trough via a ladder and can get their food there.
Keep in mind that bees in the feeder box are often dependent on you for food. However, the hive boxes are much smaller than the classic hives. Therefore, the feeder frame should also be smaller. In our assortment we have products with different dimensions for you to hand.
Tips for the selection:
- Measure the hive or scion box precisely.
- Decide what consistency the feed should have.
- Choose containers that are easy to clean.
Feeding bees - what material is suitable?
The basis of bee feed is, of course, sugar. For this reason, the feed is often very sticky. Even if the bees work diligently and pick up the food, it can still happen that residues remain in the frame. For you, this means that cleaning becomes necessary. This cleaning is important to prevent bacteria from forming on the feed. Therefore, check which material is optimal for you. We are very happy to work with the feed frames made of wood. The natural product fits perfectly with the natural hives of the bees and can also be cleaned with a damp cloth.
Many beekeepers also like to use a metal feeder. This can be rinsed under the water, dried and then used again. Some manufacturers rely on models made of plastic. Partly the frames from wood have even inserts from plastic. We at Beekeeping Professional have a wide range of products, with something for every taste.
Feeding bees with feeding bags
Do you already know the feeding bags? They are much narrower than the classic frames and are well suited if you like to feed the bees with bee feed syrup or even sugar dough. The bags are rather narrow and are filled from the top. The food is then distributed in the bag. You can find versions made of wood or also plastic. If you decide on the variants made of wood, we also recommend a protective coating for the interior. This prevents rapid wear on the wood. This way you can enjoy the bee feeder bag longer.
Also with these models it is important that you pay attention to the size. If the bags are too wide, they cannot be put into the hive. Bags that are too narrow will not hold. We describe each product in detail - also in terms of dimensions.
Do not forget the bars in the lining
Especially in the warm season, foraging frames are the best choice. Your bees can optimally help themselves from them when needed. Keep in mind that the containers need special floats and also webs. Of course, you could resort to a simple tray. However, here there is a risk that the bees will drown in the food or even suffocate. If there are walkways, the bees will lean into the food from the walkway and pick up the food. It is often underestimated how much food the bees need. If you have a large colony, the food supply should be at least 20 kg for the insects.
Feeding bees at the right time
After you have done the last honey harvest, feeding is an important point. The same applies to the start of the season. The bees need the supplies so they can take care of their colony. However, a major problem with feeding that is often underestimated, especially by beginners, is predation. Therefore, pay attention to the correct feeding times. Start feeding in the evening rather than when the animals leave the prey during the day. This will prevent them from not having enough bees to defend the hive. Make sure that none of the food remains on the outside of the hive or perhaps even drips onto the floor. This will attract potential predators.
Find products for feeding the bees directly online
If you still need the right products to give the bees their food, you will certainly find them at Bienucht-Profi. We have an extensive assortment with feed bags and frames in various sizes. The products are designed to be easy to use and also to clean. We are also happy to advise you on the selection. If you have questions about the frames or the correct use, just write to us about it.
