Need basic answers

[Potlicker1]

OK because i'm new to beekeeping I can't ask a stupid question, but iv'e got a few I need help on. First is anyone using or know about a slatted bottom board? The concept is to allow for more ventilation in the hive but i'm concerned about access through the bottom since my hives are off the ground. And then there is the issue of overwintering and having that area kinda open.
My second question is if I should put frames of partially honey filled comb in my brood supers when installing my soon to have nucs. The honey was leftovers from last year I believe. I bought the entire inventory from a retired beekeeper and there are no less than 3 deeps in that condition. I'd like to use it and wonder if this would be a good place.
Thanks for your help :?

[Kathyp]

i'll let someone who has used them answer the slatted rack question.  as for the honey, i'd be thinking of freezing it and giving it to them for the winter.  that way, you can take more of the new stuff this year.

[ChickenWing]

You are getting the terminology a little mixed up.   There is a SCREENED bottom board, and a SLATTED rack. 

The screened bottom board does not allow access though the bottom, because it is screened with hardware wire.  It only allows air in, and mites and tiny debris to fall out.  The bees still have to travel through a normal entrance. 

The slatted rack is a series of slatts in a wooden frame that sits on top of the bottom board and below the boxes.  It is basically adding volume to the "front porch" of the hive, giving extra bees a place to attach to and allow for the rest of the hive to be cooled.

[Michael Bush]

>First is anyone using or know about a slatted bottom board?

I have a number of slatted racks.  I like them.  You can live without them, but they are nice to have.  I also have Screened Bottom Boards.  Also nice to have.  Also not necessary.

> The concept is to allow for more ventilation in the hive but i'm concerned about access through the bottom since my hives are off the ground.

If you have a slatted rack on a standard bottom board access is the same as ever.  If you have a SBB on a stand then access is the same, but sometimes they beard on the screen.

> And then there is the issue of overwintering and having that area kinda open.

On a SBB I put in the tray over winter.  If it doesn't come with one (Brushy Mt. ones do) then make one.

>My second question is if I should put frames of partially honey filled comb in my brood supers when installing my soon to have nucs. The honey was leftovers from last year I believe.

Sure.  It will give them some stores to start off.

[Brian D. Bray]

Using frames of capped honey is always a good idea when starting a nuc.

I use slatted racks extensively, probably in more ways than they were intended.  I also make mine different.  I make a 1 3/4 or 2 inch shim and then place dowling with it to align under the frames.  The dowling lets the mites roll off and drop out the SBB.  I also use the same style of rack in place of a queen excluder. 

[Potlicker1]

Yea the slatted rack is the piece i was refering to. Just not sure how close the tolerances need to be to keep it standard. I've read it needs like 5/16 inch gap. I don't know maybe all this new stuff is over my head.
As for the left over honey, it's really not capped, just semi-hard if that makes any sence.

[Jerrymac]

As for the left over honey, it's really not capped, just semi-hard if that makes any sence.

Probably crystallized. Is it like wet sugar?