How to configure top feeders

[EvaST-B]

I have a beemax styrofoam hive top feeder and am not sure how to provide ventilation. Popsicle sticks between the top hive and the feeder? Imirie shim? And is there any reason to put an inner cover in there somewhere??

Also have the Kelly top feeder with screen down the center rather than the plastic at one end. I screened over the top so no one could get in and proped the cover up a little in the front? Was that the right thing, or should I put the inner cover on, etc.

Thanks for any ideas.

[Carl F]

EvaST-B

I have a Beemax hive top feeder and I am looking to dominate this discussion board today so I'll field your question...

Inner cover is not needed with the feeder on. In fact, I have heard/read from many that if you are using Beemax hive bodies and outer cover you do not need an inner cover at all--personal preference, I guess.

I am not sure that you really have to ventilate--especially if you have a screened bottom board--but maybe there are other opinions. If you need to ventilate you could shim or just slide the feeder back or forward a bit to leave a 1/16" opening between it and the hive body below it. Make it small enough that the bees can't get through but of course it will be enough to allow some air flow--again though, I don't think that is necessary. I use all of the Beemax components--SBB, bodies, feeder, outer cover--which seal up pretty tight and I do not ventilate. Again, I have read where some do and some do not... I do not and I am unaware of any problems as a result.

One tip I read in one of the catalogs said to use a utility knife make a bunch of cris-cross scores or scratches on the inside of the clear plastic cover that came with the feeder. This makes it much easier for the bees to walk on that surface in addition to the polystyrene surface as they go from the hive into the feeder & back.

What is an Imirie shim? I have never heard of one but I have come across the word twice today...

[EvaST-B]

Imirie shim is just a 1/2" or so rim you can put between the hive and the cover or maybe between hive bodies - it can act as a spacer (if you're feeding patties) and they have a notch that can be used as a top entrance