I'm a new beekeeper. Loved your idea for feeding. I used my inner cover to create the feeding opening so I can keep the bottle in a medium box and still use my telescoping cover.
I braze or tape 2 jar rings together poke holes in a canning lid. Put a little vaseline on threads so ring won't get stuck. Drill 1 in hole in lid use but plug from cap company. I usually drill towards back of cover, so if it burbs because of barometric pressure from temp changes it doesn't drown or chill main brood cluster
Can you share some specifics about how do you modified your lid to do this type of feeding? Also do you have any issues with rain going in? Is that some kind of a cover off to the side for when you’re not feeling?
The lid is just a standard migratory lid - a flat plywood with cleats. I used a 3" hole saw bought at Harbor Freight to cut the hole for the jar top. Also, I cut the 3" hole in a square piece of 1/2" plywood for the jar to fit in. Put a piece of 1/8" hardware cloth between the lid and the plywood square to keep the bees in when you remove the jar. I use 1/2 gal Ball jars which fit perfectly in the 3" hole. Attach the 3" plug that comes from the 1/2" piece to a piece of plywood to provide a plug for the lid when you're not feeding. I've used this system for many years with no problem with leaking. If a little water gets under the plug cover, it's inconsequential to the bees.
No. Use a very small trim nail to make the holes in the lid and then, when you turn the jar over, the vacuum holds the syrup. It only goes down as the bees drink it. .
#1 Entrance feeders worst #2 frame replacement feeders bees don’t carry off dead bees hive beetles #3 hive top feeders good if bee tight #4 buckets on top burp with large temperature changes can chill small clusters before they get it cleaned up Jars on top work for me
I'm in central Texas. I've used lids like this for a lot of years with no leaking problem in the winter. Of course, in the winter, I put a shim with cedar shavings above my candy board to absorb the hive moisture and keep the cluster dry. If a little rain gets in under the plug, it will be readily absorbed by the shavings. However, I can see that there might be a problem if snow is piling up on top. In that case, I'd keep my syrup feeding tops for the spring build-up and use a solid cover on for the winter.
You might be able to use plastic lids. I've never tried it. The lid with the holes, however, must touch the screen for the bees to be able to reach the syrup. I've used the Ball lids for syrup for years without a rust problem. Typically, when they bees stop taking syrup, they coat the holes with propolis which probably retards any rust. I have to poke open the holes, again, whenever I reuse a jar. If you do have to replace a lid, they are really cheap.
I'm a new beekeeper. Loved your idea for feeding. I used my inner cover to create the feeding opening so I can keep the bottle in a medium box and still use my telescoping cover.
I braze or tape 2 jar rings together poke holes in a canning lid. Put a little vaseline on threads so ring won't get stuck.
Drill 1 in hole in lid use but plug from cap company. I usually drill towards back of cover, so if it burbs because of barometric pressure from temp changes it doesn't drown or chill main brood cluster
Thank you for the great videos
Please make more about gardening and beekeeping
I would also grease treads of the jar with some coconut oil, this way it’s easier to unscrew the lid that normally stuck due to crystallized syrup.
How do you clean it?
When sun hits jar and heats it up do you loose vacuum
Awesome thank you for getting right to the point 👍
I noticed you are feeding the super is that right or is it the brood box you should feed? I am new to bee keeping. Thanks for the info.
I just used the super to set the top on. You would feed above the brood box. Best luck with your beekeeping!
@@psyched1231 Thank you.
Can you share some specifics about how do you modified your lid to do this type of feeding? Also do you have any issues with rain going in? Is that some kind of a cover off to the side for when you’re not feeling?
The lid is just a standard migratory lid - a flat plywood with cleats. I used a 3" hole saw bought at Harbor Freight to cut the hole for the jar top. Also, I cut the 3" hole in a square piece of 1/2" plywood for the jar to fit in. Put a piece of 1/8" hardware cloth between the lid and the plywood square to keep the bees in when you remove the jar. I use 1/2 gal Ball jars which fit perfectly in the 3" hole.
Attach the 3" plug that comes from the 1/2" piece to a piece of plywood to provide a plug for the lid when you're not feeding. I've used this system for many years with no problem with leaking. If a little water gets under the plug cover, it's inconsequential to the bees.
will not the sugar water flow out of the jar and make a mess in the hive ? will it not act like a sprinkler can ? asking for a friend. :-)
No. Use a very small trim nail to make the holes in the lid and then, when you turn the jar over, the vacuum holds the syrup. It only goes down as the bees drink it. .
Great idea, thanks for sharing.
#1 Entrance feeders worst
#2 frame replacement feeders bees don’t carry off dead bees hive beetles
#3 hive top feeders good if bee tight
#4 buckets on top burp with large temperature changes can chill small clusters before they get it cleaned up
Jars on top work for me
Awesome idea!
Informative video. Where are you in the USA? This lid would leak in the winter here in New England.
I'm in central Texas. I've used lids like this for a lot of years with no leaking problem in the winter. Of course, in the winter, I put a shim with cedar shavings above my candy board to absorb the hive moisture and keep the cluster dry. If a little rain gets in under the plug, it will be readily absorbed by the shavings. However, I can see that there might be a problem if snow is piling up on top. In that case, I'd keep my syrup feeding tops for the spring build-up and use a solid cover on for the winter.
Could you use the plastic lids you can get in Walmart for the Ball jars. I find the metal ones can rust.
You might be able to use plastic lids. I've never tried it. The lid with the holes, however, must touch the screen for the bees to be able to reach the syrup. I've used the Ball lids for syrup for years without a rust problem. Typically, when they bees stop taking syrup, they coat the holes with propolis which probably retards any rust. I have to poke open the holes, again, whenever I reuse a jar. If you do have to replace a lid, they are really cheap.
What # hardware cloth did you use for that sir?
Nvm 8 squares to a inch I'm learning. Thank you again for sharing your wisdom.
This is fascinating...I had no idea that you have to feed bees at all... good solution at that 👍
good