Hello, just a quick question. I have asked local beekeepers that are more experienced than myself, and I have kept hive for over 5 years, and keep getting mixed answers. How much should I reduce the entrance on a mature hive? Our weather is unpredictable here, we may have 80 degree days and freezing temps a night. We may have two feet of snow or none at all. So should I close the hives to a small opening as some suggest or leave the reducers out all together as others suggest?
I have been keeping bees about as long as you. For the last two years I have left the reducers on all year. The bees do just fine with it(3/8" x 3" opening). I may be in the minority but it works for me.
All of my hives have reducers on them all year long.
I have a lot less problems with robbing with them on.
Jim
Thanks Guys, I think I will do the same and leave mine on all year. I have opened up the hive in the summer and had more problems than with the ones I had the reducers on. But what I am trying to decide is if I reduce them to the smallest opening and when?
If you get enough snow to cover the bottom entrance you should think about having an upper entrance to let the bees fly during the warmer days. A upper entrance will also improve the ventilation and reduce moisture in the hive.