I've found open feeding works quite well in cases where virtually 
everything needs fed.   Not an ideal situation, but it happens.

I use 5 gallon buckets, mix up the syrup and float about 4 inches of 
straw on top (loosely packed so it will drop in the bucket when the 
syrup level drops).
Don't place them next to your hives... 100+ feet away should work. More 
may be better but I don't always have the luxury.

Make sure you have enough surface area for the number of hives you 
have... 1 bucket for 20 hives would cause a problem of fighting at the 
bucket.   I'd use 1 bucket for every 2-3 hives.   In this type of 
situation you need that volume of syrup anyways.   It works best on days 
near or above 70 degrees and they will typically drain the buckets in 
one day.   If it gets too cool they will not take it quickly and there 
will be more deaths at the buckets.

-Tim

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