DIY - Thoughts on Fondant Feeders

Amiga

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Morning, all, and welcome to the new Beekeeping Forum at BackYardHerds! Thanks Rob, Sumi, and all who have made this happen.

Ahh, a blank slate! (c:

My thoughts today are on how best to provide fondant to a new hive that has had its challenges this year. They will need a significant amount of fondant. There is room for it (one reason I know they need it), and I need to finally decide what shape it will be and how it will be placed in the hive.

Hanging from a top bar?
Sitting in some kind of base?
Attached to its own frame?
In a wire basket secured to a false back board?

Are there businesses that sell fondant supports, fondant feeders, fondant baskets, whatever form this item might take?
 

Happy Chooks

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I haven't used fondant, but I have used Dadant's Winter patties with great results. I only went through 1 patty over the winter for my hive. In the spring, I switch to the Brood Builder patty. They keep really well in the freezer. I just pull one out and thaw before placing in the hive.

Mine is a Langsroth, so I lay the patty over the top of the frames. I'm not sure if your set up has a space to put it on top of the frames.
 

Amiga

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The difference between Langstroths and TBHs will be a factor here, and it will help us think more creatively, I feel.

So,

What are the dimensions of what you use?
 

Happy Chooks

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I haven't measured it, but roughly 7 inches by 10 inches and less than 1/2 inch thick. I hope you get someone experienced in TBH's to weigh in here.
 

Amiga

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I wonder if I could cut it down to the TBH dimensions? Rather than square, the cross-section of the TBH is trapezoidal. So that might fit, with extra space at the top. hmmm
 
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