The nuc I rec'd is an 8 frame deep, which now has a second deep on top ( no queen excluder ) has a migratory top...Our temps here do not get very high...an occasional day in the high 80's lower 90's...maybe a quirk of a day 104...the apiary folks I purchased my nuc from uses migratory boxes no inner cover...I am curious to know if inner covers are essential to a healthy hive?
Thanks
The inner cover alows for easier removal of a telescoping cover. With the migratory I doubt it makes much difference.
Wayne summed it up quite nicely..... I can't say I know anyone who uses inner covers with migratory tops.
i do. i use bucket feeders. it gives a little extra protection from our wet, crappy, winter weather. i can prop up the top and they only have to guard that middle hole....not the entire edge. i can take a peak through the middle and not take off the whole top.... :-)
I concur. Either you use a migratory or you use a telescopic with an inner cover. There's no real reason to use an inner cover with a migratory cover. If you want more ventilation, prop the lid up. If you have condensation issues, in the winter, put some styrofoam on top of the cover.
This might be kind of a retarded question, but I've never seen the answer in any of my books, but what the heck is the inner cover actually for? Why not skip the inner cover with a telescoping cover anyway? Seems like my inner cover has only been good for sheltering earwigs from the elements.
Sean Kelly
The inner cover when used with a telescoping outer cover:
1) Helps with ventilation.
2) Provides an alternate entrance/exit to the hive.
3) Helps prevent squashed bees when placing the telescoping outer cover.
4) Helps prevent condensation.
it also keeps the telescoping cover from being propolised to the top of the hive body. but i think someone said that before.
Quote from: Sean Kelly on June 12, 2007, 01:37:42 AM
Why not skip the inner cover with a telescoping cover anyway?
Give it a try and you'll very quickly appreciate the inner cover. There is nothing like trying to take the cover off and the super comes with it and now you have a bunch of un-happy bees. :-x
>Give it a try and you'll very quickly appreciate the inner cover. There is nothing like trying to take the cover off and the super comes with it and now you have a bunch of un-happy bees.
But after it gets propolis on it, the telescopic doesn't blow off anymore. :)
QuoteThe inner cover when used with a telescoping outer cover:
1) Helps with ventilation.
2) Provides an alternate entrance/exit to the hive.
3) Helps prevent squashed bees when placing the telescoping outer cover.
4) Helps prevent condensation.
And a migratory top used alone:
1) helps with ventilation, just add a twig to prop it up
2) Provides an alternate entrance/exit to the hive, just add a twig to prop it up
3) doesn't squash any more bees than the inner cover itself does
4) helps prevent condensation, just add a twig to prop it up
5) doesn't cost money and create an additional piece of equipment to deteriorate.
Great information...I have a bunch of migratory tops...I'll just keep using them!
Thanks
All,
Sharon