[white_s]

It's very expensive for my to import a frame feeder, I've seen this wooden type online. It looks simple enough however I don't know how I should go about waterproofing it for the syrup, has anyone made one of these? Thanks

 

[GregB]

It's very expensive for my to import a frame feeder, I've seen this wooden type online. It looks simple enough however I don't know how I should go about waterproofing it for the syrup, has anyone made one of these? Thanks

People do these all the time.
Simply use molten wax to waterproof this from inside.
Properly it should be glued as well, for better seals.

 

[white_s]

So I just bought some timber to make the frame feeder and peeked inside to see that the bees have now decided to drink all of the 300ml jar feeder I had setup on the floor. I suppose I'll just continue to feed them this way.. or is this going to be a problem down the track? Thanks

 

[ursa_minor]

or is this going to be a problem down the track? Thanks

It will be fine. If you do not get very cold in the fall then this method of feeding may work for you year round. This method does not work when it gets cold as the bees will not leave the nest to find food.

 

[white_s]

It will be fine. If you do not get very cold in the fall then this method of feeding may work for you year round. This method does not work when it gets cold as the bees will not leave the nest to find food.

Thanks I'll stick with this just to help the Nuc colony build up into summer then I will build that frame feeder to have on hand for wintering in case I think the hive hasn't got enough stores (I live in the coldest part of Australia but it's hardly that cold compared to much of the northern hemisphere countries - min -5C or 20F with snow almost never).

With the frame feeder do know what the typical depth is? Approx half that of a frame about 8"? And typical same width and just one compartment inside? And I suppose the bees will try to make comb under there if it's left in once the flow starts again?

And to weatherproof it with wax, do you just melt a cup or so worth of candles, pour that in, swish around and quickly tip off the excess? Or should I be using bees wax? And what is inside to act as ladders or to stop the bees from drowning? Thank you very much

 

[ursa_minor]

You will have to build ladders or your bees will drown. I am not sure what they use I don't use frame feeders as once again in my neck of the woods my bees like their syrup warm and that feeder would get too cold during our fall nights.

 

[white_s]

You will have to build ladders or your bees will drown. I am not sure what they use I don't use frame feeders as once again in my neck of the woods my bees like their syrup warm and that feeder would get too cold during our fall nights.

Ok thanks I understand. I research it further.

Off topic again, I noticed after some wind and rain there is dampness seeping through under the sides on the floor. My hive is just sitting on the base, no fasteners or weatherproof sealing. I couldn't see an pooling water inside just dampness around the edges. Will this negativity impact the colony or is it not an issue and fairly common. I just don't know was is normal (it seems a bit strange to me that it isn't fastened or have a water barrier). Thanks very much

Sam

 

[ursa_minor]

I wouldn't worry unless there was pooling water, the damp should dry out when the weather changes. Most hives are not sealed tight until the bees start to coat the insides with propolis, at least mine aren't.

 

[white_s]

I wouldn't worry unless there was pooling water, the damp should dry out when the weather changes. Most hives are not sealed tight until the bees start to coat the insides with propolis, at least mine aren't.

I see thanks. I think I'm underestimating just how well bees can change their surrounds to suit their needs