Honey Bee Feeder

thingiverse

This liquid bee feeder offers a reliable feeding solution for bees. The inner cover is flipped over and placed above the mason jar, allowing food to flow from the top into the hive below. A medium box and cover surround the feeders to keep outside insects out and make it easy to swap out jars without disturbing the bees. The feeder design allows for flexibility in feeding - use multiple jars or just one, depending on your needs. I designed this feeder to work with Ball Mason Jars, Little Giant Beehive Inner Covers, and McMaster-Carr 90137A429 push rivets. Here's how to assemble the feeder: Step 1: Print the desired parts using a template for easy drilling and modification of the inner cover. Step 2: Use the template to mark where to drill holes in the inner cover - the mounting holes should be slightly oversized for flexibility. Drill through wood with a smaller hole (3/16") for the push rivets. Step 3: Paint the inner cover if desired for added protection. Step 4: Align the feeders, drop a push rivet into each mounting hole, and secure it with a small hammer. Make sure to keep an eye on the slot in the inner cover that allows bees access - you can block this with putty if needed. Step 5: Drill several small holes in the mason jar lid for the food to flow through, making sure they're within the diameter of the hole drilled into the inner cover. Fill the jar with food and attach the lid. Step 6: Assemble the hive by placing the inner cover on top, followed by a medium box, then the mason jars with food, and finally the cover. The feeder is easy to remove for inspection and refill, reducing the risk of squashing bees or getting stung. This design is suitable for spring, summer, and fall feeding, but not for cold weather.