How do I order?
Please contact one of the distributors listed below. If you are interested a large quantity order for pick up in Chico, California, send an e-mail (Use the contact button at the bottom of this page) and tell us what you want. We’ll get back to you with a quote and then you can make your order. Sorry we don’t have an automated storefront here on the web. We are a small company so we don’t have a fancy shipping department or a staff of robots waiting to fill your order in the middle of the night.
Available at:
Mann Lake Ltd. (866) 880-7694
Dadant and Sons Beekeeping Supplies (888) 922-1293
Pierco Beekeeping Equipment (800) 233-2662
Aren’t one-gallon oblong f-style cans cheaper?
A customer recently wrote us suggesting that our cans are too expensive when compared to one-gallon f-style cans. He stated that f-style cans can be purchased for closer to $4.50 per can.
It’s true that our cans are more expensive than f-style cans initially. However, most beekeepers running f-style cans put a lot of labor into them. F-style cans have to be treated with some sort of rust preventative (usually paint, wax or even both). Unless you order in massive quantities, you will most likely have to purchase cans with handles that will need removed. Additionally you have to purchase lids and punch holes in them. All that work adds up to significant cost.
F-cans are prone to denting and rusting which leads to leaking. Over time f-cans are a hassle. We’ve run f-cans for years, that’s why we developed these cans. Our cans are ready to go right out of the box. They are less expensive than the other plastic hive top feeders and they should outlast f-cans. In the end you’ll find they are the more economical option.
If you decide to go with f-cans, keep us in mind. Our cans are the same size as the f-style cans. They will fit in the same cases, they need no prep work, they last longer and they are a lot easier to use because of the built in handle.
What size are your lids?
Our lids are 38mm in diameter. The ideal hole in the top of your hive for using our cans is just over 1 1/2 inches. A hole diameter of 1 ⅝ inches is great and 1 ¾ to 2 inches works just fine.
Your cans are the same size as F-style cans. Why did you use a different lid size?
The lid selection for the F-style cans is limited to lids with a cardboard liner or no liner at all. Without a good seal on the lid, cans tend to leak and not work as well. The lid we chose is more readily available and comes with a durable plastic seal molded into the lid. We feel these lids are far superior to the lids on the old f-style cans.
Are lids included with my order?
Yes, lids are included. We generally throw in 5% extra just in case you lose a few. Our lids are pre-punched with 3 holes. Each hole is 1/16 inch in diameter. We can punch lids with 1 or 2 holes for a small fee if that’s what you really want. We find that most beekeepers have success with 3 holes. Non punched lids are also an option.
My hives are already drilled for the smaller F-style lids. What do you suggest I do?
We found a 40mm diameter countersink drill-bit that is perfect for opening up 1 ¼ inch and smaller holes. The bit can be purchased on Amazon for $25 and works amazing. The 40mm diameter hole fits our lids perfectly. We’d be happy to send you a link if needed.
How do your cans compare to the round black plastic feed barrels sold by some beekeeping suppliers?
We use the same type of plastic and the same size lid as they do. Our cans are more efficient because they don’t take up as much room as round cans. Our cans have a handle built into them and are much easier to carry and pick up than feed barrels.