Entrance Feeder
Inverted jar feeder that inserts into the hive entrance. Inexpensive and easy to monitor.
- Visible from outside — check fill level without opening the hive
- Inexpensive option for occasional or emergency feeding
- Easy to refill without disturbing the colony
What it is
A Boardman-style entrance feeder — a wooden or plastic platform that slides into the hive's front entrance and holds an inverted quart jar of sugar syrup. Bees walk onto the platform, up into the jar, and drink the syrup.
When to use it
Early spring package installs, light fall feeding, or any situation where you want to monitor syrup consumption without opening the hive. The glass jar shows at a glance how much syrup is left and whether the bees are actually taking it.
Drawbacks
Entrance feeders can trigger robbing because the syrup scent is right at the front door of the hive. In a dearth or around stronger colonies, weaker colonies with entrance feeders get robbed out. For strong dearth feeding, in-hive feeders (frame or top-hive) are safer.
Usage notes
Use a standard quart mason jar with small holes punched in the lid — a dozen pinholes is enough for the bees to drink without flooding the platform. Refill as needed. Remove entirely once the colony is strong enough to not need supplemental feed.
Compatibility
Fits standard 10-frame Langstroth entrances. Slides in and out through the hive's front reducer opening.
