popsicle sticks?

[crowhammer]

A couple of quick questions.
1. How big a gap should I have between body and cover? If bees can get in and out, is that too big?
2. Which side of the hive should I prop up? The back or the front? or does it matter?
Thanks for the help in advance.

[jimmyo]

I prop the front so rain water runs away from the entrance. 
I put the Popsicle sticks between the innercover and the top box. the air can move but the bees and stuff can't get in.
Jim 

[Greg Peck]

I just break off a stick from a tree about 1/2 in inch round and a few inches long. I put it under the front over the gap/second entrance  in the inner cover, this way the outer cover does not lean side to side. If the bees are really going to town making honey I prop the back up too. I also use screen bottom boards.