Switching from Solid BB to Screened BB

[Two Bees]

I intentionally started my two packages using solid BBs with the intent of switching to screened BBs after the two colonies were established.  I have been venting with an upper entrance for several weeks.

My question is would you switch bottom boards at this point in the season if venting is not a problem?

OR

Wait until fall or early spring to switch to screened BB?

[Robo]

I guess it depends on your rationale for using SBB.  If it is to control varroa, you may want to rethink.
http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,10753.msg105971.html#msg105971

If it is for ventilation,  a slatted rack works just as well and allows the brood area stay warmer and more humid which is less advantageous for varroa and helps a faster/bigger spring build up.

Varroa is not usually an issue for a first year package.  If it where me, I would wait until next summer,  though in reality,  I don't use SBB anymore.


rob....

[Michael Bush]

While I like SBB, I also find that solid ones work fine.  If you already own both, then I'd swap whenever you like.  If you put a tray in you can control the ventilation fine.  If you don't have the SBB yet, the solid will do fine.  I've started converting them to feeders:

http://www.bushfarms.com/beesfeeding.htm#bottom