Employing Michael Bush's method

[blanc]

I use both methods and top entrance hives are doing well.

[brooklynbees]

I still use the deeps with 10 frames, merely because I started with them, they're still in good shape, I only have one or two hives here in NYC, so I don't want to invest in new equipment, and, frankly, my carpentery skills are not good enough for me to alter them.

First, I have a standard entrance both on the bottom that I close off in the fall with a mouse guard. I also have a small entrance in the top. It seems to work fine. The entrance at the top is small and helps with ventilation.

Second, I will say that given my size and lack of upper body strength, having deeps is a pain in the lower back when I am moving/checking stuff. For that reason, the hives no longer are on the garage roof (which meant I had to climb up and down a ladder whilst carrying stuff) and now are on my back deck.

If I had to do it over again, I would probably use mediums and do 8 frames since I don't have someone to help with heavy lifting.

[biggraham610]

Thank you both. I will be making splits tommorrow, hopefully all goes well. Thank everyone for your helpful insight. G :cheer: