Community Feeder Pros and Cons

[crewdog61]

Looking into building a Community Feeder just wondering what thoughts are out there and wanting to here what has worked or did not work. That being side what is the best feeder to use if you are just going to use a hive feeder?

[billybwf]

I community fed over this winter. There is a certain amount of loss because of fighting, plus you are feeding any bees. I have used ziplocks on top of the frames works pretty well. For this year I have built tops with jar feeders. Jar feeders work well that is what I used for the community feeders.

[Adrian Quiney WI]

Crewdog, how many hives are you talking about in your yard?

[Slow Modem]

I have been experimenting with this. I use a plastic table so it's easy to wash off with a hose. You can use a ziploc bag, entrance feeders, chicken waterer, or even a bowl of syrup (but you have to watch out for drowning). Kelley's has a community feeder I'm going to use this spring to see how it does.

Put it away from the hives (it could attract robbers).

Good luck and have fun!

[crewdog61]

I will have 5 hives this year most likely more my goal is to build up to 15 to 20 over the next year or 2

[beemandan]

I'm thinkin' that this topic has been covered before....
http://www.beesource.com/forums/show...munity+feeders