I think putting in a top entrance on top of the brood boxes would be good. The bees would not have to go threw the brood and it would stop alot of crowding,what do you think ? Would it be good to have two entrances,one on the bottom and one on the brood boxes top,then add the suppers as needed ? What is the best way to build or buy a top entrance ?
http://www.bushfarms.com/beesfeeding.htm#drysugar
http://www.bushfarms.com/beeslazy.htm#topentrance
Here's some ideas for top entrances:
Migratory top (see MB's post above)
All season inner cover, buy or make one http://www.honeyrunapiaries.com/store/season-inner-cover-p-50.html
Make a 3/8" x 3/4" notch in the rim on the bottom of your inner cover http://media.photobucket.com/image/notched%20inner%20cover/frenchhill/WinteringSingles-AboveInnerCover.jpg
Drill a 3/4" hole near the top your box (then you can use a wine bottle cork to block it later)
Shim your top cover
And as far as leaving a bottom entrance open or using a screen bottom board, well that's up to you.
Does anyone have bottom and top entrance in their hives ? I been told the bees will only guard one entrance. Having two entrances,will that be an invite to robbers and all other pests ? Would it be better to just have one top entrance ? With top entrances,do you put landing boards on ?
Quote from: Joelel on October 13, 2009, 11:53:44 AM
Does anyone have bottom and top entrance in their hives ?
I do. I use a medium entrance reducer on the bottom and a 3/4" hole on the top.
Quote from: Joelel on October 13, 2009, 11:53:44 AMI been told the bees will only guard one entrance. Having two entrances,will that be an invite to robbers and all other pests ?
Bees will guard as many entrances as you have. I have one hive that has an entrance reducer that I made with two 3/4"x 3/8" openings (1 on each side), a crack in one of the boxes the bees come and go from, and a 3/4" hole on top. They guard them all. I will say that robbing gets them pretty crazy though.
Quote from: Joelel on October 13, 2009, 11:53:44 AMWould it be better to just have one top entrance ?
Some say it is. In my opinion it's really up to you though.
Quote from: Joelel on October 13, 2009, 11:53:44 AMWith top entrances,do you put landing boards on ?
No. Bees don't really need a landing board. I've never seen a feral hive with a landing board.
Quote from: contactme_11 on October 13, 2009, 03:55:47 PM
Quote from: Joelel on October 13, 2009, 11:53:44 AM
Does anyone have bottom and top entrance in their hives ?
I do. I use a medium entrance reducer on the bottom and a 3/4" hole on the top.
Quote from: Joelel on October 13, 2009, 11:53:44 AMI been told the bees will only guard one entrance. Having two entrances,will that be an invite to robbers and all other pests ?
Bees will guard as many entrances as you have. I have one hive that has an entrance reducer that I made with two 3/4"x 3/8" openings (1 on each side), a crack in one of the boxes the bees come and go from, and a 3/4" hole on top. They guard them all. I will say that robbing gets them pretty crazy though.
Quote from: Joelel on October 13, 2009, 11:53:44 AMWould it be better to just have one top entrance ?
Some say it is. In my opinion it's really up to you though.
Quote from: Joelel on October 13, 2009, 11:53:44 AMWith top entrances,do you put landing boards on ?
No. Bees don't really need a landing board. I've never seen a feral hive with a landing board.
Right,I never seen the need for a landing board. The hive I had back in the 80s didn't have one. The only thing I can figure is,it makes things easier for the bees like,keeping them from crashing and having to hold on so hard when landing.
Occasionally I've seen a hive abandon and not guard a back entrance, but that is pretty rare. Usually they guard every little hole.
John, I have always had a top and bottom entrance. In our area most people have the top entrance, which is integral to moisture release in the colony, we are a very moist climate, in all the beekeeping courses, a top one is a must and this is guarded, always bees hanging out at that entrance too. Have that great and most awesome day, health. Cindi