Primal Bee hives generally require less supplemental feeding than traditional wooden hives due to superior thermal efficiency. Bees spend less energy maintaining temperature and more energy on brood rearing and foraging. When feeding is required, the integrated feeding system allows nutrition to be delivered without compromising the thermal seal of the hive.

This guide explains when feeding is appropriate, how to use the built-in system correctly, and which feeding methods are compatible.

Built-in Feeding System

Integrated Feeding Hole

Each Primal Bee hive includes a dedicated feeding hole designed to:

• Maintain the thermal seal when not in use
• Provide direct access to the colony interior
• Minimize thermal disruption during feeding
• Support multiple feeding methods

Critical Usage Rule

Never use the feeding hole for ventilation.

If the feeding hole is not actively being used to deliver food, it must remain sealed with the included plug to preserve thermal efficiency.

Feeding Hole Management

Proper Sealing (When Not Feeding)

• Keep the feeding hole sealed with the included plug
• Ensure the plug fits tightly and sits flush
• Inspect the plug periodically for damage
• Replace the plug if it no longer seals securely

A poorly sealed feeding hole results in heat loss and increased energy demand on the colony.

Opening the Feeding Hole (When Feeding)

• Open the feeding hole only when actively providing feed
• Remove the plug immediately before installing the feeder
• Reseal the hole as soon as feeding is complete
• Confirm the plug is fully seated after removal of the feeder

The feeding hole is intended for temporary access, not continuous exposure.

Feeding Methods

Liquid Feeding Options

Jar Feeding (Recommended)

Jar feeding through the integrated feeding hole is the preferred method for most situations.

• Use a standard mason jar with small holes in the lid
• Invert the jar directly over the feeding hole
• Provides controlled, internal delivery
• Allows easy monitoring of consumption

Important: Primal Bee hives ship with a circular screen insert used only as a temporary stopgap while preparing a feeding jar. Never feed with the screen in place. If the screen remains installed, bees cannot access the syrup.

Commercial Feeder Compatibility

• Most commercial feeders are compatible when positioned over the feeding hole
• Ensure the thermal seal remains intact around the feeder
• Follow the manufacturer’s installation and cleaning instructions

Direct Liquid Feeding (Limited Use)

• Suitable only for small volumes
• Use a funnel to control flow
• Avoid spillage inside or on the hive
• Clean any excess immediately to prevent moisture and pathogen issues

Internal Feeders (Not Recommended)

Internal frame feeders are not recommended for Primal Bee hives:

• Increase internal moisture levels
• Displace the equivalent of 2–3 frames of bee space
• Increase drowning risk
• Can ferment or spill, contributing to pathogen pressure

Feeding Requirements Compared to Traditional Hives

Reduced Feeding Demand

Due to improved insulation and thermal stability:

• Bees expend less energy on temperature regulation
• Colonies maintain brood more efficiently
• Supplemental feeding is required less frequently
• Overall feed consumption is reduced

When Feeding Is Necessary

Feeding may still be appropriate in the following situations:

• New installations (packages or newly transferred colonies)
• Comb building support on new foundation
• Seasonal gaps in natural forage (early spring, drought)
• Colony recovery after stress, disease treatment, or swarming

Feed Types and Concentrations

Liquid Sugar Syrup

• Standard feeding: 80% sugar / 20% water
• Used for general energy support and comb building
• Medication delivery (e.g., Nosema): 60% sugar / 40% water
• Thinner consistency improves medication distribution

When encouraging comb production on new foundation, higher sugar concentrations (up to 4:1) may be used.

Honey (Preferred When Available)

When possible, honey is preferable to sugar syrup:

• Use honey from previous frames during colony transfers
• Provides natural enzymes and nutrients
• Typically better accepted by bees

Deliver honey using the jar feeding method to maintain hygiene and control access.

Solid Feed Options

Pollen Patties

• Place directly on top of nest frames
• Wax paper side down
• Position so the feeding hole remains unobstructed
• Install beneath the feeder lid for easy access
• Peel back wax paper as needed to expose fresh patty

Candy Boards / Fondant

• Use during cold weather or emergency feeding
• Place parchment paper over nest frames
• Position solid sugar or fondant above the paper
• Bees access feed from the top of the nest box beneath the feeder lid

External Feeding Considerations

External feeding may be appropriate when:

• Large feed volumes are required
• Managing multiple colonies simultaneously
• Running specialized feeding or medication programs

When using external feeders:

• Avoid compromising hive seals
• Protect feed from robbing and contamination
• Shield feeders from weather exposure

Feeding Timeline for New Colonies

Package Installations

• Begin feeding immediately after installation
• Continue until comb is established and natural stores are present
• Use jar feeding through the feeding hole

Colony Transfers

• Feed to support new comb construction
• Prioritize honey from old frames when available
• Supplement with syrup as needed
• Discontinue feeding once the colony is self‑sufficient

Seasonal Feeding Strategy

Spring

• Stimulative feeding may support early buildup
• Lower concentrations can simulate nectar flow
• Discontinue once natural forage is available

Summer

• Feeding typically unnecessary
• Emergency feeding only during dearths

Fall

• Ensure adequate winter stores
• Heavier syrup (2:1 sugar to water) may be used for storage
• Complete feeding before cold weather

Winter

• Feeding usually unnecessary in Primal Bee hives
• Emergency feeding only if stores are critically low
• Use solid feed methods in extreme cold

Monitoring Feed Consumption

Indicators of Active Feeding

• Empty or rapidly draining jars
• Increased comb construction
• Improved brood patterns
• Rising colony population

Signs of Overfeeding

• Syrup stored in brood frames
• Reduced brood space
• Honey‑bound nest

Adjust feeding volume or frequency as needed.

Troubleshooting Feeding Issues

Poor Feed Acceptance

• Check feed freshness
• Verify correct concentration
• Ensure feeding equipment is clean
• Switch to honey if available

Robbing Risk

• Use internal feeding whenever possible
• Reduce entrance size during feeding periods
• Feed in the evening
• Remove exposed external feed promptly

Primal Bee hives require less feeding due to thermal efficiency, but correct feeding practices remain critical during colony establishment and seasonal stress. The integrated feeding system allows supplemental nutrition to be delivered efficiently while preserving the hive’s thermal integrity when used as designed.