Lyson Top Hive Feeder for Beekeeping
The Lyson Hive Top Feeder holds 1.75 gallons of syrup and works with both Lyson and Anel hive equipment. Injection-molded plastic construction keeps it durable.
How To Use It
Remove the inner cover and place the feeder directly on top of the uppermost box that has bees in it, and set the outer telescoping cover on top of the feeder. Bees enter from the bottom, and a plastic insert acts as a wall between the access point and the bulk of the syrup, so the bees will not drown.
- Works with Lyson and Anel 10-frame hives
- Remove the inner cover to prevent bees from getting into the syrup and drowning
- Mix your own sugar syrup or pick up pre-made syrup so you are ready to go
When to Use a Hive Top Feeder
A top hive feeder can make supplemental feeding more convenient when a colony needs additional food beyond what is available from natural forage. Consider using one of these beekeeping supplies in situations such as:
- Establishing a new colony: Newly established bee colonies may need supplemental sugar syrup while worker bees build comb and the colony develops its population.
- During a nectar dearth: When flowering plants are producing little nectar, supplemental feeding can help provide a consistent food source.
- When forage is limited: Weather or seasonal changes can reduce available nectar and other natural food sources, making supplemental feeding useful.
Understanding when to feed can help you use your equipment appropriately and avoid providing unnecessary supplemental feed.
How To Feed Sugar Syrup
For spring feeding, mix a 1:1 syrup using 1 lb. of water (2 cups) to 1 lb. of sugar. For fall feeding, mix a 2:1 syrup using 2 lb. of sugar per 1 lb. of water. Use very hot water to dissolve the sugar, or skip the mixing with pre-made Pro Sweet syrup, the ultimate in feeding.
When To Feed Your Bees
Hold off on sugar syrup during cold weather, when bees cannot take cleansing flights. Wait until it is warm enough for bees to fly regularly. If it is still too cold, feed winter patties instead. Pollen patties stimulate hive build-up ahead of the spring flow, but don’t feed them too early. Pollen supplements cause rapid expansion, and the colony may not have enough bees to keep the brood warm.
Visit the Lyson website for additional details or contact Meyer Bees if you need help finding the right equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which hives is the Lyson Hive Top Feeder compatible with?
This feeder works with both Lyson and Anel hive equipment. Can also be used with traditional wooden equipment by placing an empty medium super over the feeder.
How do I install the feeder on my hive?
Remove the inner cover and place the feeder directly on top of the uppermost box that has bees in it. Then set the outer telescoping cover directly on top of the feeder. Don’t use an inner cover with this feeder, because it can let bees get into the syrup and drown.
How do the bees reach the syrup without drowning?
Bees enter from the bottom of the feeder. A plastic insert acts as a wall between the bee access area and the bulk of the syrup, which keeps the bees from falling in.
What syrup ratio should I use, and when should I feed?
For spring feeding, use a 1:1 syrup, with 1 lb. of water (2 cups) to 1 lb. of sugar. In fall, use a 2:1 syrup, with 2 lb. of sugar per 1 lb. of water. Feeding needs can vary based on weather and available forage, so monitor the hive and adjust supplemental feeding accordingly.
