Hive top entrance

[Barnabus]

Hi:
Guess I should have asked this on my previous post but just wasn't thinking.
I know there are a lot of beekeepers that use a top entrance and a lot of those use migratory hive tops.  The most common place for hives is low to the ground on pallets cinder block etc. The most talked about reason is to keep varments and other pest out of the hive.
I have a very bad back 5 operations and headed for the sixth next week.
Is a top entrance as important for hives that are 24 inches off the groind?
If so what is the best way and location to put one on a hive that uses a telescoping cover?
One more thing I saw a screened inside top cover saturday. It was nothing but a 3/4 x 3/4 wooden frame the same size as the brood box with 3 each 2" x 3/8 notches down the long side and two on the short side. The individual that had it says he hasn't had any kind of ventilation problem since he started to use them. he uses them year round and only for a short time last winter did he have to put a insert in to close them off. He also uses a SBB. Has anyone tried this if so what do you think?
Any comments would be appreciated.
Barnabus

[Phoenix]

Is a top entrance as important for hives that are 24 inches off the groind?

Not necessarily as important, but it will ease the congestion through the brood chamber, for the bees to get the nectar up to the top.

If so what is the best way and location to put one on a hive that uses a telescoping cover?

Notch the thickest side of the trim on your inner covers.  It will give you a 3/8" opening by however wide you decide to make it.  Then just make sure to shift your telescoping cover towards the front to keep the notch from being blocked.

Has anyone tried this if so what do you think?

Yes, it works beautifully.  The only drawback I see with the screen, is the fact that it will get propolized to a good extent, but mine have yet to completely cover the screen.  They seem to preferr the vents I have in the top.

As the screened cover gets propolized too much, throw it in the freezer until the propolis becomes brittle, then just scrape it off.

[Michael Bush]

I have SBB with the entrance stopped by a one by two nailed into the entrance.

I prop open migratory covers with two shingle shims.  I prop inner covers with two shingle shims or I cut bigger notches in them.  I use what I have, but it's easy to make it into an entrance.

I have had no problems with mice, skunks, possums, deep snow, dead bees blocking the entrance, tall grass or lack of ventilation since doing it.