[kellys120]

I have a quick question I bought a Mann lake top hive feeder and need to know if I leave the inner cover on below it?

 

[WBVC]

When I don't have an inner cover with central hole and there is a flow the bees fill the space with comb. When I put the inner cover below it all is well.

 

[Bkwoodsbees]

Fill it with water and check for leaks before you put it on the hive. I bought 2 and one leaked.a gallon of syrup through the hive. A real mess.

 

[drlonzo]

I have a quick question I bought a Mann lake top hive feeder and need to know if I leave the inner cover on below it?

To answer the question - NO don't put it below the feeder. You don't even need it if you are using a hive top feeder as you suggest. I run hive top feeders as my inner cover year around. Gives good ventilation and easy access to feed.

 

[Colobee]

My 1 qt wide mouth mason jars set nicely on top of the inner cover hole, covering the hole completely. They fit inside an empty medium super, with a telescoping top cover. I drilled five 3/32" holes in about a 1" square in the center of the lids. My new pkg bees took 1 quart a day for the first few days, then tapered off. When I inspected for queen release on day 4, all hives had several outer frames heavy with syrup, less towards the middle - as you might expect.

 

[Colobee]

'Had to look up the Mann Lake feeder - up to four gallons...wow.
It appears drlonzo is correct, and I'm just old school.

 

[drlonzo]

'Had to look up the Mann Lake feeder - up to four gallons...wow.
It appears drlonzo is correct, and I'm just old school.

Old School is nothing to be looked at as bad. Old school is what we need more of ..

 

[WBVC]

If you have the plastic insert top feeder and they build comb on it cut off with a hard plastic spatula not your hive tool. The insert is thin and easily nicked.

 

[Colobee]

"Old School is nothing to be looked at as bad. Old school is what we need more of .."

There are times when a couple of those might come in very handy, especially with distant hives.

 

[mathesonequip]

I have found mann lake top feeders are the best for fall feeding but, avoid use in comb building [spring/summer] season, way too much burr comb. the mason jar on top of the inner cover is good now.