What do y’all think of this set up? Works well for us. I hope the video can give you some ideas if you are liking to upgrade. As I watched the video I realized how many times I used the word “tote?” Lol. Goodness!!!
Cold water straight from the hose. Mixes great. Just have to be sure to mix it up for quite awhile. Usually no sugar in the bottom if mixed long enough.
@@brucesbees I appreciate the quick response I'm going to buy this set up and prepare. I'm planning on splitting and expanding like crazy this year. I want to take the 7 colonies I have if they manage to make it along with 5 more nucs I ordered and turn it into 40-50 strong colonies going into winter. This set up would be huge time saver for us! I appreciate the videos Bruce. Hope your bees out in Cali are doing well!
That’s why I share and I’m sure some will take ideas from this and make it even better. I have to give credit to my friend Rusty from Herding Bees with Rusty and Mike. He really designed the feeding system and helped me put it together and I have tweaked it a bit. It has been a game changer.
I love it! I've already got all the stuff except the quick links. Hooking up the trash pump plumbing like you did would never have occurred to me--thanks!
Very interesting set up, thank you for sharing. I have not done open feeding like this - I tend to feed in the hive but I can see where this would increase efficiencies
Nice set up Bruce thanks for sharing. 60°F here in sw Iowa today so I've got some dry pollen sup set out for them but back down to singal digit temps again tommarro.🐝❄
Great set up. If you have a lot of bees like you do you need something like that. I thought it worked great. Hope you have a great rest of the weekend my friend.
I really like that setup. Something I would consider if I ever got enough hives. Justin (Castle Grounds) could benefit from something like your tote feeder.
Set up looks great Mine is set up the same way except I drilled a hole for the return line. also I have some totes if you need any or anybody else. They need washing out they have had glue in them. not harmful to anything it pretty much Elmer's glue
Very nice. I’m just starting to look for a trailer to make this kind of set up. I need to see if there is a way to take the hose and mount it to the top. So when adding sugar it’s not in the way.
This was very informative. We are definitely looking to build a setup like this to mix our syrup. We will keep our pump and tank for the truck, but this will be a game changer for mixing. We are also going to experiment with open feeding more this year also. Thanks for this video my friend.
Thanks for checking in Craig. I mostly open feed because it is easier and more efficient from a time perspective. But I do spot feed with mason jars, bucket feeders etc as needed. Have never really used the frame feeders, though I know they are effective.
Thanks Bruce, my feeding system is about 20 years old.. Im going to build one like you demonstrated. I use totes also. You advised a while back in another video to use pinestraw. That was a real improvement. Alot fewer bees drown. Much cleaner. I tried hay. Once it got soaked it just matted on the bottom. What ratio of totes to hives do you advise? Thanks.
Oh o don’t know. Depends on how many you plan to feed. I probably try to have enough totes for 1 gallon per hive in each area. I figure these 27 gallon feeders probably hold around 20 gallons after cutting the holes. Not of it is exact but it works.
Thanks for showing us your setup. Have you ever had the black hose pop off when you have it closed at the dispensing end and the pressure builds up? It looks like you just pushed it on to the 3/4 inch PVC at your connector, and don't use anything to secure it tight. That would be a mess!
I just pack it in pretty good. Probably 4 to 6 inches. Better to have too much than not enough. It flattens out after use and it’s ok. You can always add more. The pine straw floats. I’ve ritmé it will get a little nasty and when that happens I simply dump it out and start over.
You just want to make sure there is a good layer covering up and extending down into the surface area of the sugar water. And there will be some bees that die but it is minimal. It is quite the sight when the bees are all over it. Just a cloud of bees. Cool stuff!
I mostly open feed. But will occasionally spot feed hives that are weaker than the rest. I figure with the open feeding of the weather is too cold the bees will not be able to fly and get it. Temps have been getting up into the 60s and 70s the past few days though there have been a few colder days.
That's a great looking set up Bruce. Do you ever have issues with any of the valves getting stuck from the sugar water? Or do you do a thorough cleaning once you're done feeding?
I don’t always flush it per say because at times there is some food left over for the next time but I do run water trough all the hoses and the pump with a water hose and try to clean it the best I can.
Yes. It’s simply a time issue with me and has worked well. I will at times use other feeders such as top feeders, mason jars or bucket feeders to spot feed.
That would be a good idea. Hasn’t thought of that! I could still do it but the pvc piece is getting a little long and is a somewhat long lever arm. But I may just try that. Would also make things easier to set up. Thanks for the suggestion!
@@brucesbees I was thinking there was some reason for it and wanted to ask before I just ran off and used some in like fashion....hahaha. I love RUclips and the closeness I have seen in the beekeeping community here, thanks for the reply!
I don't know. I'll do open feeding but I think it can be an issue for weaker hives. At least that's what I noticed for my weak hive out back vs my strong ones.
Yes it can be. You can definitely use this system to fill any other type feeder as well. I spot feed at times if needed but if I want to give them all a boost I open feed. Most of my feeding is done via open feeding simply because I am limited on time.
Just normal temp from tap. Probably cold. The agitation of this setup does a great job of liquifying the sugar even without warming up the water. Of course the colder the water and thicker the mixture the longer you will have to agitate it. Have had no issues so far but my mistier is usually around 1:1 or a little thicker.
@@brucesbees Thanks been feeding with inside mann Lake cap n latter feeders 10 years now im trying 2 stay small have 85 or so and one of the reasons is feeding been mixing 5 gallon buckets n putting in feeders with a pitcher now im thinking ur setup already have big tote 275 n a trailer n a spring 2 fill it even if i have 2 let it sit n warm up a day before i mix. Cold water THANKS if im secussful ill probably have way more hives age n back have me looking 4 an easier way iv been piggybacking to California each year 4 past 10 years bees came back heavy with honey 4 some reason this year but GOOD but they needed room 2 lay Diesel prices n trucking alot more this year!!! THANKS Honey Hill Farm OLDFIELDS WV
Yes I did the 5 gallon bucket thing for years and still occasionally mix up a bucket the old fashioned way if I done need much, but if you need to mix up a lot the 275 gallon container is a game changer.
Sorry to be the negative Nancy in the group but open feeding can be devastating. Last spring I spread EFB and chalkboard around multiple hives in different yards. Learned that lesson the hard way I did. Open fed for a few seasons and had no issues then bam. Most of us will choose to learn the hard way unfortunately, I was forewarned.
Yeah I figured as much haha. For clarification. This is a food grade tote but I would have to clean and sterilize it for sure if I was transporting food for human consumption. But it works ok for the bees or at least it has so far. I really appreciate you checking out the channel and hope all is well for you.
What do y’all think of this set up? Works well for us. I hope the video can give you some ideas if you are liking to upgrade.
As I watched the video I realized how many times I used the word “tote?” Lol. Goodness!!!
I wouldn’t change what’s working for you. Thanks for sharing your method🍺🍺
How well does it mix? You using cold or warm water? I'm curious if you see sugar in the bottom of the tank when you empty it
Cold water straight from the hose. Mixes great. Just have to be sure to mix it up for quite awhile. Usually no sugar in the bottom if mixed long enough.
@@brucesbees I appreciate the quick response I'm going to buy this set up and prepare. I'm planning on splitting and expanding like crazy this year. I want to take the 7 colonies I have if they manage to make it along with 5 more nucs I ordered and turn it into 40-50 strong colonies going into winter. This set up would be huge time saver for us! I appreciate the videos Bruce. Hope your bees out in Cali are doing well!
Hey this is good stuff. As far as I know the bees in California are doing well. Good luck reaching your goals!
Appreciate the thorough explanation of your set up! I just might have to copy you on that.
Thanks for the kind words. Hope it works out well for you too if you decide to do something similar.
Glad you share things like this. It would take forever doing the trial and error method to figure out how to make stuff like this.
That’s why I share and I’m sure some will take ideas from this and make it even better. I have to give credit to my friend Rusty from Herding Bees with Rusty and Mike. He really designed the feeding system and helped me put it together and I have tweaked it a bit. It has been a game changer.
It’s a nice set up. I like it. That pollen setup is nice too.
Thanks guys!
Thanks for the different look at the Feeding process, Bruce.
You’re welcome. Thanks for checking in!
Nice setup. Now I just gotta keep 200 hives to need it. Challenge accepted.
I hear ya lol.
I love it! I've already got all the stuff except the quick links. Hooking up the trash pump plumbing like you did would never have occurred to me--thanks!
Awesome. Good luck!
Really like your set up. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for watching!
Looks great. I'm just getting started, that will be down the road for us.
Awesome. Good luck with your beekeeping journey!
Great setup. I like the idea of circulating the water to mix up the sugar syrup.
Thanks Joe. It has worked well for us. So much easier.
I have a question about that … what, if anything, do you do with the pump to keep the sugar from gumming up in the pump? Or is this not an issue?
Awesome Bruce
Thanks!
Very good set up . Mine is outdated and I want to upgrade. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome. Hopefully it will help you figure some things out.
Very nice
Thanks!
Very nice setup
Thanks!
Great rig my friend keep up the good information video’s
Thanks for checking in!
Cool Set Up! Great video and info!
Great demonstration. Thanks for that detail. Loved it.
Thanks Randall
Nice setup, thanks for sharing Bruce.
Hey thanks for checking in James!
Very interesting set up, thank you for sharing. I have not done open feeding like this - I tend to feed in the hive but I can see where this would increase efficiencies
I like it. It has its advantages but there are drawbacks as well. Thanks for checking in!
Great set up whether you want to open feed or not.
Yes. You can easily fill top feeders, bucket feeders or frame internal feeders/frame feeders etc.
Definitely been wanting to do a set up like this
Works well. Thanks!
Great setup Bruce. Big fan of using this type of setup. Those Gator Locks/Banjo Fittings are worth their weight in Gold. See you on the next one!
Yes they are great. Thanks Greg!
Nice set up Bruce thanks for sharing. 60°F here in sw Iowa today so I've got some dry pollen sup set out for them but back down to singal digit temps again tommarro.🐝❄
Thanks for checking in. Cold weather. Yuck. Spring will be here soon though. Hang in there!
Nice and simple design, thank you for the great info.
Thanks. Has worked well for us.
Nice setup. Sure beats the 5 gallon bucket and paint mixer method.
Yes is does. We did that for years.
Nice setup Bruce. I'll have to look into something like this.
It works well for us. Thanks for checking in!
That setup would fill my Apiary up for 3 years. What a setup there Bruce. I like the way you have the pollen sub.
What 😂😂😂
@Down Under Fulla It's an inside joke. . Look up the movie The Last Dragon, and Sho Nuff. Lol
😛😂
@@wittencreekbeez9384 🤣😂🤣
Thanks for checking in Brian!
Nice setup 👌
Thanks!
Thanks for sharing. I’m getting tired of buckets!
We did it that way for years. The old 5 gallon bucket with a paint stirrer method. This is much better.
Great setup!
Make sure to wire or ny-tie those cam couplers.I have seen them vibrate loose.
Hmm. Not a bad idea. These are very tight right now but I guess they could work loose. Thanks for the tip!
Great set up. If you have a lot of bees like you do you need something like that. I thought it worked great. Hope you have a great rest of the weekend my friend.
Thanks for checking in. You too!
I really like that setup. Something I would consider if I ever got enough hives. Justin (Castle Grounds) could benefit from something like your tote feeder.
It really is handy but not really needed until you need to feed a lot of bees at the time.
This is awesome Bruce! We are looking to upgrade our feeding system ourselves so this is helpful information. Thank you for sharing!
It works well for us. Thanks for checking in!
Set up looks great Mine is set up the same way except I drilled a hole for the return line. also I have some totes if you need any or anybody else. They need washing out they have had glue in them. not harmful to anything it pretty much Elmer's glue
Thanks. I have thought about drilling that hole you are talking about. Would make it easier for sure.
Nice job Bruce !
Thanks
Great setup Bruce!!! I got to build me something like that.
Works well.
Very nice. I’m just starting to look for a trailer to make this kind of set up. I need to see if there is a way to take the hose and mount it to the top. So when adding sugar it’s not in the way.
That is a good idea. I have thought about drilling a hole off to the side. May still do it one of these days.
That way the hose would be in a different hole while adding and mixing the sugar.
Enjoyed your video! Do you have any trouble with ants around your tub feeders. If so how do you deal with it? Thanks!
Nah there are a few ants but no big deal. In a dearth the bees suck it down quick!
Hey Bruce great video! I am going to try and copy your set up. Where did you find the quick attach fittings ?
I got these at Rural King
Coupler’s are a great idea, a fireman must have came up with that idea.
Yes they work well.
I actually got the idea from another beekeeper.
This was very informative. We are definitely looking to build a setup like this to mix our syrup. We will keep our pump and tank for the truck, but this will be a game changer for mixing. We are also going to experiment with open feeding more this year also. Thanks for this video my friend.
Thanks for checking in Craig. I mostly open feed because it is easier and more efficient from a time perspective. But I do spot feed with mason jars, bucket feeders etc as needed. Have never really used the frame feeders, though I know they are effective.
Thanks Bruce, my feeding system is about 20 years old.. Im going to build one like you demonstrated. I use totes also. You advised a while back in another video to use pinestraw. That was a real improvement. Alot fewer bees drown. Much cleaner. I tried hay. Once it got soaked it just matted on the bottom. What ratio of totes to hives do you advise? Thanks.
Oh o don’t know. Depends on how many you plan to feed. I probably try to have enough totes for 1 gallon per hive in each area. I figure these 27 gallon feeders probably hold around 20 gallons after cutting the holes. Not of it is exact but it works.
Thanks for showing us your setup. Have you ever had the black hose pop off when you have it closed at the dispensing end and the pressure builds up? It looks like you just pushed it on to the 3/4 inch PVC at your connector, and don't use anything to secure it tight. That would be a mess!
Has never been a problem. It push it on there pretty tight. I used to use a clamp and would probably still be a good idea. But so far no issues.
Looks good Bruce!
How thick is the layer of pine straw? Always used grain straw, but that looks better. Does it get waterlogged?
Thanks for sharing.
I just pack it in pretty good. Probably 4 to 6 inches. Better to have too much than not enough. It flattens out after use and it’s ok. You can always add more. The pine straw floats. I’ve ritmé it will get a little nasty and when that happens I simply dump it out and start over.
You just want to make sure there is a good layer covering up and extending down into the surface area of the sugar water. And there will be some bees that die but it is minimal. It is quite the sight when the bees are all over it. Just a cloud of bees. Cool stuff!
great stuff as usual Bruce!
Thanks Bob!
Bruce, what is the temperature there while you are feeding 1/1 sugar water? Are you only feeding open and not in the hives?
I mostly open feed. But will occasionally spot feed hives that are weaker than the rest. I figure with the open feeding of the weather is too cold the bees will not be able to fly and get it. Temps have been getting up into the 60s and 70s the past few days though there have been a few colder days.
Great job man 👍 video is loaded with good information. Where are you buying the feed? (sugar) thanks
I buy the sugar at Rural King. Thanks for checking in!
That's a great looking set up Bruce. Do you ever have issues with any of the valves getting stuck from the sugar water? Or do you do a thorough cleaning once you're done feeding?
I try to clean it up good after each use. Haven’t had any issues so far.
Bruce, do you flush out your pump with fresh water after each use?
I don’t always flush it per say because at times there is some food left over for the next time but I do run water trough all the hoses and the pump with a water hose and try to clean it the best I can.
Is open feeding the primary way you feed your colonies or do you utilize frame feeders or other methods?
Yes. It’s simply a time issue with me and has worked well. I will at times use other feeders such as top feeders, mason jars or bucket feeders to spot feed.
This system can be used to full up whatever type container you decide to use though.
Why did you not opt to put any kind of quick link from the pump to the pvc?
That would be a good idea. Hasn’t thought of that! I could still do it but the pvc piece is getting a little long and is a somewhat long lever arm. But I may just try that. Would also make things easier to set up. Thanks for the suggestion!
@@brucesbees I was thinking there was some reason for it and wanted to ask before I just ran off and used some in like fashion....hahaha. I love RUclips and the closeness I have seen in the beekeeping community here, thanks for the reply!
Yeah thanks for checking in. I have learned much over the years from my viewers and other content creators on RUclips.
I don't know. I'll do open feeding but I think it can be an issue for weaker hives. At least that's what I noticed for my weak hive out back vs my strong ones.
Yes it can be. You can definitely use this system to fill any other type feeder as well. I spot feed at times if needed but if I want to give them all a boost I open feed. Most of my feeding is done via open feeding simply because I am limited on time.
Are you seeing capped drones yet?
Yes
Is the water from ur house HOT or just cold
Just normal temp from tap. Probably cold. The agitation of this setup does a great job of liquifying the sugar even without warming up the water. Of course the colder the water and thicker the mixture the longer you will have to agitate it. Have had no issues so far but my mistier is usually around 1:1 or a little thicker.
@@brucesbees Thanks been feeding with inside mann Lake cap n latter feeders 10 years now im trying 2 stay small have 85 or so and one of the reasons is feeding been mixing 5 gallon buckets n putting in feeders with a pitcher now im thinking ur setup already have big tote 275 n a trailer n a spring 2 fill it even if i have 2 let it sit n warm up a day before i mix. Cold water THANKS if im secussful ill probably have way more hives age n back have me looking 4 an easier way iv been piggybacking to California each year 4 past 10 years bees came back heavy with honey 4 some reason this year but GOOD but they needed room 2 lay Diesel prices n trucking alot more this year!!! THANKS Honey Hill Farm OLDFIELDS WV
Yes I did the 5 gallon bucket thing for years and still occasionally mix up a bucket the old fashioned way if I done need much, but if you need to mix up a lot the 275 gallon container is a game changer.
Sorry to be the negative Nancy in the group but open feeding can be devastating. Last spring I spread EFB and chalkboard around multiple hives in different yards. Learned that lesson the hard way I did. Open fed for a few seasons and had no issues then bam. Most of us will choose to learn the hard way unfortunately, I was forewarned.
Thanks for checking in but have not had any issues so far.
I’d add some vinegar to keep it from souring if ur making that much sugar water at one time.
Thanks for the tip!
You don't have any problems feeding someone else's bees?
Maybe a few but mine gobble it up pretty quick. Not a lot of beekeepers near my locations as far as I know.
That water doesn’t look very clean in the tank. And the tank is filthy.
Works fine. Doesn’t have to be spotless clean for the bees to utilize it.
Ok. Said it was food grade is all. Will be watching.
Yes it is a good grade container. Have used it for a couple of years with no issues. Thanks so much for checking in.
Meant to say food. Lol
Yeah I figured as much haha. For clarification. This is a food grade tote but I would have to clean and sterilize it for sure if I was transporting food for human consumption. But it works ok for the bees or at least it has so far. I really appreciate you checking out the channel and hope all is well for you.