Product Overview
Deluxe Spring Bee Feeding Kit — Complete Spring Build-Up Feeding Bundle
Support early brood expansion with a complete spring feeding system that provides protein and carbohydrates when natural forage is limited.
SKU: FEED-4250
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Reviewed by: Lappe’s Bee Supply — Beekeeping Support Team
- At a Glance
- Quick Specs
- What is included in the Deluxe Spring Bee Feeding Kit?
- How does this kit support spring colony build-up?
- How do you install the Deluxe Spring Bee Feeding Kit?
- What hive equipment is this kit compatible with?
- Is the liquid feed a mite treatment or medication?
- Which configuration is best for your operation?
- Comparison Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions
- References
- Related Links
At a Glance
Definition: The Deluxe Spring Bee Feeding Kit is a spring supplemental feeding bundle for 8-frame or 10-frame Langstroth hives that combines protein patties and liquid feed delivered through a hive top jar feeder to support early-season colony build-up.
Quick Specs
- Product Name: Deluxe Spring Bee Feeding Kit
- SKU: FEED-4250
- Hive Compatibility: 8-frame or 10-frame Langstroth equipment
- Shim Included: 8-frame or 10-frame (select option)
- Protein Source: 2 pollen patties (HiveAlive 4%, HiveAlive 15%, or Dadant AP23)
- Feeder Type: Universal hive top feeder (2-jar or 4-jar option)
- Liquid Feed: 1 gallon HiveAlive liquid honey bee feed
- Primary Use: Spring supplemental feeding during brood build-up
- Not a Treatment: Not a pesticide, antibiotic, or mite treatment
- What’s Included: Shim + 2 pollen patties + feeder base and jars + 1 gallon liquid feed
What is included in the Deluxe Spring Bee Feeding Kit?
This kit includes a hive shim, two pollen patties, a universal hive top feeder, and one gallon of liquid bee feed.
- Shim choice: 8-frame or 10-frame Langstroth
- Two protein patties (select formula)
- 2-jar or 4-jar universal hive top feeder
- 1 gallon liquid bee feed included
- Designed to integrate with standard Langstroth equipment
The kit bundles core spring feeding components to provide protein and carbohydrates when forage is limited. Select the shim size and feeder capacity to match your equipment and feeding plan.
How does this kit support spring colony build-up?
The kit provides protein and liquid carbohydrates to support brood rearing when nectar and pollen are limited.
- Protein supports brood production
- Liquid feed supplies carbohydrate energy
- Designed for early spring forage gaps
- Intended for supplemental feeding only
Colonies often expand before consistent nectar flow arrives. Supplemental feeding can help bridge forage gaps and support spring build-up as conditions allow [1] [2].
How do you install the Deluxe Spring Bee Feeding Kit?
Place patties on frames, add the shim and inner cover, then set the feeder over the inner cover hole and enclose jars under an empty hive body.
- Place patties directly on the top bars in the upper brood box.
- Set the shim on top of the brood box.
- Place a standard inner cover (not included) on top of the shim.
- Center the feeder base over the inner cover hole.
- Invert filled jars onto the feeder base.
- Surround jars with an empty hive body (not included) and cover with a telescoping lid (not included).
This setup keeps feed protected from weather while allowing controlled bee access. Monitor consumption and refill jars as needed during spring build-up [3].
What hive equipment is this kit compatible with?
This kit is designed for standard 8-frame or 10-frame Langstroth hives using a matching shim, an inner cover hole, and a telescoping lid.
- Designed for Langstroth hive systems
- Requires matching frame count (8-frame or 10-frame)
- Uses an inner cover with a center hole
- Requires a telescoping outer cover
- Not designed for top-bar or Warre hives
Select the shim size that matches your hive bodies. If you use non-standard equipment, confirm fit before ordering or plan for adaptation.
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
- Intended strictly for supplemental feeding
- Does not replace integrated pest management
Use separate monitoring and treatment plans for mites and disease management. Feeding supports nutrition but does not serve as pest control [4].
Which configuration is best for your operation?
Match the shim to 8-frame or 10-frame equipment, then choose a 2-jar or 4-jar hive top feeder based on colony strength and how often you want to refill.
- 8-frame option for narrower hive bodies
- 10-frame option for standard-width hive bodies
- 2-jar feeder for moderate supplemental feeding
- 4-jar feeder for higher-volume feeding or fewer refill trips
- Select patty formula based on feeding goals
Start with the equipment size you already run, then scale feeder capacity to your spring feeding schedule. Strong colonies and heavier feeding generally benefit from more jar capacity.
Comparison Overview
| Option | Best For | Not Ideal For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8-frame + 2-jar | Smaller colonies | Large production colonies | Moderate feed volume |
| 8-frame + 4-jar | Expanding colonies | Minimal feeding needs | Higher feeding capacity |
| 10-frame + 2-jar | Standard hobby setups | Large commercial yards | Compact feeding setup |
| 10-frame + 4-jar | Strong spring build-up | Light feeding schedules | Maximum jar capacity |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the Deluxe Spring Bee Feeding Kit?
The kit includes a hive shim, two pollen patties, a universal hive top feeder, and one gallon of liquid bee feed.
How do you install the Deluxe Spring Bee Feeding Kit?
Place patties on top of frames, add the shim and inner cover, then position the feeder over the inner cover hole and enclose under a hive body with a telescoping lid.
Which equipment options can I choose?
Choose an 8-frame or 10-frame shim, select two pollen patties, and choose either a 2-jar or 4-jar hive top feeder.
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.
What hive equipment is this kit compatible with?
This kit is designed for standard 8-frame or 10-frame Langstroth hives.
When should I use this kit?
Use it in early spring when nectar and pollen are limited and colonies benefit from supplemental feeding.
Can I feed liquid syrup while honey supers are on?
Many beekeepers avoid feeding liquid syrup during harvest to reduce unintended mixing with honey intended for extraction [5].
Do I need additional equipment?
You need a standard inner cover, an empty hive body to surround jars, and a telescoping lid to cover the feeder.
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.
References
These sources provide general guidance on honey bee nutrition, supplemental feeding practices, and mite management. Always adapt to local conditions, weather, and nectar flow.
- Penn State Extension — Honey Bee Management Throughout the Seasons
- Utah State University Extension — Bee Nutrition (Beekeeping Extension)
- Michigan State University (Pollinators) — Feeding Honey Bees (PDF)
- Honey Bee Health Coalition — Varroa Management Resources
- Ask Extension — Feeding and adding additional supers (avoid feeding syrup with honey supers on)
Note: This page describes supplemental feeding only. It does not provide pesticide, antibiotic, or mite-treatment instructions.
