Inner Covers

[MustbeeNuts]

So ok guys give me the skinny on InnerCovers, I use some and I also removed a couple , first  thing I found is that the bees propolize the telescopic cover pretty solid, gotta give that propolis its due.
Also we actually had some heat here the other day so I opened the top cover to help vent it, put a 3/4" block there to raise it when I put it back, however I left the inner cover in place, I didn't see the bees being happy about there new found air conditioning, lol in fact they bearded rather badly the next day, should I have lifted the inner cover as well? Or would it make a difference.
Two part question,
If I don't use inner covers should I switch to the migratory top style. making it easier to remove when GLUED down by the bees??  Just looking for opinions. LOL

[Ross]

I use only migratory covers.  I view telescopic tops with inner covers as unnecessary expense.  I know several nothern beeks on the board use them too.  Others swear they need the double top for cold.  Your mileage may vary.

[sc-bee]

As Ross said we throw them away in the South or cut a hole and make a feeder w/ a little patching.

[Brian D. Bray]

I prefer the Migratory tops to telescopic tops myself.  Just a personal preference.  I like to keep things simple.  Besides, with using solid bottom boards as top entrances, use of an inner top is a bit impractical.

[utahbeekeeper]

I use California (migratory) covers with the inner cover.  I depend on the inner cover notch for a top vent/entrance and the air space above the bee escape oval opening in the middle of the cover allows excess moisture to collect in that airspace and keeps the hive drier.  I went down to the local road shed and begged 3 30" by 36" faded aluminum speed signs and place them on top of my hives under a nice river rock.  This adds shade in summer. protects the front porch from rain, and keeps the snow one layer removed from the hives in winter.

As I have mentioned before, I cut out notches from the bottom front of each super 3" by 1/2" and cut tightly fit plugs for each "super entrance" in case I need them.  I don't like tilting or offsetting supers 'cause of occasional driving rains, ant the Imerie shim gives too much bee space to be burr combed.  This way, every super has an upper vent/entrance small enough to defend.  Downside is to remember where I put them dang vent plugs I so carefully cut out and fit

[KONASDAD]

either use a migratory style, or an inner cover w/ a trelescoping top. I personally use the all season inner ciover from honey run apiaries. i like it a lot.
Just a little story about telescoping tops w/o inner covers. my first hive had no inner cover. On my first inspectiobn ever , I lifted the telescoping cover and the brood frames were stuck to top. They came crashing donwn on floor. Use an inner cover, or migratory .

[BeeHopper]

I have eliminated the inner and telescoping covers and switched to the Bottom Board for a hive cover and top entrance. I did this to save $$$, improve ventilation, a higher entrance discourages skunks and other small mammals that feed on my girls plus they can better protect their hive with the 3/8 inch opening. Again, it is a matter of preference and I have included a photo.  :-D

[DaveKow]

I use an inner cover, flat side down, vent half moon up, with the telescoping lid propped up. 

If I am feeding with a can, I set the can on the inner cover, deep around that, the lid on top of that.  I found out the other day why not to prop the top with a feeder under it.  I think it started robbing.

[Kathyp]

i use migratory covers and inner covers.  i got a bunch of them in a bulk buy.  in the summer, i prop up the outer cover and they can come and go through the hole in the inner cover. the advantage is that this set up seems to reduce robbing.  it also helps keep summer rain from getting in.  in the winter, the inner cover adds some extra insulation and also gives me a place to poor dry sugar.