Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: 2-Wheeler on June 03, 2006, 09:56:07 AM

Title: entrance reducer - when should it be removed?
Post by: 2-Wheeler on June 03, 2006, 09:56:07 AM
Hi, we're new to beekeeping this year and have one hive that has been installed for 5 weeks. They have been doing well and we just added the second deeps last week. But they have been working with the entrance reducer at the smallest opening since installation.

Now the temps are reaching the mid to upper 90s (so soon!) and we're worried that it may not be getting enough ventillation without opening it more.

Q: Should we remove the entrance reducer complelety now, or set it on the middle position?   :?:

Thanks,
David
Title: entrance reducer - when should it be removed?
Post by: Finsky on June 03, 2006, 10:03:37 AM
Observe number of ventilating bees. They tell how big opening they need. Everything is normal when ventilators are to be seen about  5. If they are 25 or more, it is really cold.

If hive have no ventilators during normal sunny day, hive is cold.

Bees ventilate even in winter if it is too moist.

When  it is too hot ,hunders or thousands of bees come outside. Hive may be also too full of bees or full of honey.
Title: entrance reducer - when should it be removed?
Post by: Brian D. Bray on June 03, 2006, 10:43:56 AM
As Finsky just said, when the entrance gets too crowded got to the next size opening until the entire entrance is utilized.  Do the reverse in the fall when buttoning up for the winter.
Title: entrance reducer - when should it be removed?
Post by: 2-Wheeler on June 05, 2006, 01:17:28 AM
Thanks for the help.  
As for the height of the stand, well I wanted to sink the posts a bit deeper in the ground, but it's been so dry here, that the soil was like concrete.  Sure wish we could get some rain...
Title: entrance reducer - when should it be removed?
Post by: Brian D. Bray on June 05, 2006, 01:37:03 AM
Please note that in Beekeeping the foundation is suppose to go in the frames, not support the hive. :)