I am wondering if I have enough ventilation. It is getting hot here in NC now. I am using a screened bottom board with the pan out. I have a top feeder that is center divided with a 1/2" space between the dividers. I have a inner cover on top of that with the single oblong hole in that. I have a 3/8" spacer between the inner cover and outer cover. What does everybody else have as far as ventilation?
You can prop open the cover with a stick, which will also work as an upper entrance, or you can add any of the numerous screened or ventilated covers on the market. I'm partial to Honey Run Apiaries' all season inner cover. If you're handy, they give away the plans to build your own. If not, you can buy them.
Don't know what it's like up North Carolina, but here is currently 96F - 36% Humidity - 101 Heat Index. With no Bearding.
We use Kelly SBBs and prop the Migratory Covers on a the flat side of Popsicle Stick. And in this heat we place them to catch the miday shade of a Red Oak tree.
My hive is in the shade by 12:30.
Why do you have a feeder on? I use vent boxes similar to the DE hives.
I have a feeder on because this is a new colony.