Product Overview
Bee Ready Supreme Feeding Kit (Shim + Protein + Top Feeder + 2.5 Gal Feed)
Support spring build-up with a high-capacity feeding system that combines protein patties and liquid carbohydrates for early-season needs.
SKU: FEED-4260
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Reviewed by: Lappe’s Bee Supply — Beekeeping Support Team
At a Glance
Definition: The Bee Ready Supreme Feeding Kit is a spring supplemental feeding system for 8-frame or 10-frame Langstroth hives that combines protein patties, a shim, and a hive top feeder with 2.5 gallons of liquid feed to support colony build-up during nectar gaps [1] [3].
Quick Specs
- Product Name: Bee Ready Supreme Feeding Kit
- SKU: FEED-4260
- Hive Compatibility: 8-frame or 10-frame Langstroth equipment
- Shim Included: 8-frame or 10-frame (select option)
- Protein Source: Choice of 2 pollen patties
- Feeder Type: 8-frame or 10-frame hive top feeder (select option)
- Feeder Finish: Painted or wax dipped (select option)
- Liquid Feed: 2.5 gallons liquid bee feed
- Primary Use: Spring build-up feeding (protein + carbohydrates)
- Not a Treatment: Not a pesticide, antibiotic, or mite treatment
What is included in the Bee Ready Supreme Feeding Kit?
This kit includes an 8-frame or 10-frame shim, two pollen patties (choice of formula), an 8-frame or 10-frame painted or wax-dipped hive top feeder, and 2.5 gallons of liquid bee feed.
- Shim choice: 8-frame or 10-frame Langstroth
- Two pollen patties (select option)
- Hive top feeder sized for 8-frame or 10-frame equipment
- Feeder finish option: painted or wax dipped
- 2.5 gallons liquid feed included
This “supreme” kit is designed for higher-capacity feeding with both protein and carbohydrates, helping you support strong spring build-up when forage is inconsistent.
How does this kit support spring build-up?
The kit combines protein patties and liquid carbohydrates to help support brood rearing and energy needs during early spring nectar and pollen gaps.
- Protein supports brood production and young bee development
- Liquid feed provides readily available carbohydrate energy
- Designed for spring dearth / nectar-gap periods
- Intended for supplemental feeding only
Pollen provides essential protein for brood rearing, and supplemental carbohydrates can help colonies maintain momentum during early spring nectar gaps [1] [2].
How do you install the Bee Ready Supreme Feeding Kit?
Place the two pollen patties on the top bars, set the shim on the brood box, then install the hive top feeder above the shim and fill with liquid feed.
- Place the two pollen patties on the top bars of frames in the upper brood box.
- Set the shim on top of the brood box.
- Install the hive top feeder on top of the shim.
- Add liquid feed to the feeder reservoir.
For best freshness, fill the feeder partially at first and refill as needed, adjusting volume based on weather and consumption patterns [3].
Should I fill the hive top feeder all the way?
We suggest filling the feeder only partially at first and refilling as needed to help keep liquid feed fresher longer.
- Partial fills help match feed volume to consumption rate
- Refill frequency can change with temperature and nectar flow
- Monitoring consumption reduces waste and improves consistency
Spring consumption can change quickly with weather and forage. Partial fills plus frequent checks help you adjust feeding to real conditions [3].
Which hive top feeder finish should I choose: painted or wax dipped?
Choose painted for a dependable standard option. Choose wax dipped if you want a heavier-duty finish and longer-lasting protection for harsh weather and frequent yard use.
- Painted: solid standard protection for routine use
- Wax dipped: heavier-duty coating and long-term durability for demanding conditions
- Match feeder size to 8-frame or 10-frame equipment
If you run higher-volume spring feeding or want maximum durability, wax-dipped equipment is often preferred for long-term yard performance.
What hive equipment is this kit compatible with?
This kit is designed for standard 8-frame or 10-frame Langstroth hives. Select the shim size and feeder size that match your equipment.
- Designed for Langstroth hive systems
- Choose 8-frame or 10-frame to match your hive bodies
- Not designed for top-bar or Warre hives
Confirm your frame count (8 or 10) before ordering so the shim and feeder fit your existing equipment.
Is the liquid feed a mite treatment or medication?
No. The included liquid feed is a nutritional supplement only and is not a pesticide, antibiotic, or mite treatment.
- Not labeled as a pesticide
- Not an approved mite control product
- Does not replace monitoring and varroa management
Supplemental feeding supports nutrition but does not replace monitoring and integrated pest management for varroa mites [4].
Comparison Overview
| Option | Best For | Not Ideal For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8-frame Supreme Kit | 8-frame yards needing protein + high-capacity feeding | 10-frame equipment | Match shim + feeder size to 8-frame hardware |
| 10-frame Supreme Kit | 10-frame yards needing protein + high-capacity feeding | 8-frame equipment | Match shim + feeder size to 10-frame hardware |
| Painted feeder | Standard durability at a solid value | Extreme exposure / heavy commercial wear | Good general-purpose finish |
| Wax-dipped feeder | Maximum durability and long-term yard use | Minimal use cases | Heavier-duty finish for demanding conditions |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the Bee Ready Supreme Feeding Kit?
The kit includes an 8-frame or 10-frame shim, two pollen patties, an 8-frame or 10-frame painted or wax-dipped hive top feeder, and 2.5 gallons of liquid bee feed.
How do you install the Bee Ready Supreme Feeding Kit?
Place the two pollen patties on the top bars, set the shim on the brood box, then install the hive top feeder above the shim and fill with liquid feed. Fill partially at first and refill as needed to keep feed fresher longer [3].
Should I fill the hive top feeder all the way?
We suggest filling the feeder only partially at first and refilling as needed, which helps keep liquid feed fresher and allows adjustments for changing spring conditions [3].
Which hive top feeder finish should I choose: painted or wax dipped?
Choose painted for a dependable standard option. Choose wax dipped if you want a heavier-duty finish and longer-lasting protection for harsh weather and frequent yard use.
What hive equipment is this kit compatible with?
This kit is designed for standard 8-frame or 10-frame Langstroth hives. Select the shim size and feeder size that match your equipment.
Is the liquid feed a mite treatment or medication?
No. The included liquid feed is a nutritional supplement and not a pesticide, antibiotic, or mite treatment.
When should I use this kit?
Use it in early spring or during nectar gaps when colonies benefit from supplemental carbohydrates and protein to support build-up [5] [2].
Can I feed liquid syrup while honey supers are on?
Many beekeepers avoid feeding liquid syrup when honey supers are on to reduce unintended mixing with honey intended for extraction [5].
References
These sources provide guidance on honey bee nutrition, spring supplemental feeding practices, feeder management, and integrated pest management. Always adapt feeding to local forage, weather, and colony condition.
- University of Georgia Extension — Honey Bee Nutrition and Supplemental Feeding: Honey Bee Nutrition and Supplemental Feeding
- North Carolina State Extension — Feeding Honey Bees: Feeding Honey Bees
- Colorado State University Extension — Beekeeping: Supplemental Feeding: Beekeeping: Supplemental Feeding
- University of Minnesota Extension — Managing Varroa Mites in Honey Bee Colonies: Managing Varroa Mites in Honey Bee Colonies
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension — Spring Management for Honey Bee Colonies: Spring Management for Honey Bee Colonies (PDF)
Note: This page describes supplemental feeding only. It does not provide pesticide, antibiotic, or mite-treatment instructions.
Related Products
- Spring Bee Feeding Starter Kit (liquid feeding only)
- Deluxe Spring Bee Feeding Kit (shim + protein patties + jar feeder)
- HiveAlive 15% Pollen Patties
- Hive Top Feeders (painted and wax-dipped options)
- Hive Shims (5-frame, 8-frame and 10-frame)
Share Your Feedback
Have you used the Bee Ready Supreme Feeding Kit in your apiary? We’d love to hear what worked for your colonies.
- Which shim size did you choose (8-frame or 10-frame)?
- Which pollen patties did you select?
- Did you prefer painted or wax dipped for your feeder finish?
- How quickly did your bees consume the liquid feed, and how often did you refill?
Send reviews and comments to [email protected].
Product Expiration Notice:
Feed products have a defined expiration date and may not have the full shelf life remaining at the time of purchase. If you plan to order feed in advance, we recommend contacting us before hand to confirm the expiration dates of our current inventory. Any product remaining after the expiration date is not eligible for refund or replacement.
