I use slatted racks on all hives to increase use of bottom brood chamber
(honey bridge is equal front and back, with lots of brood), reduce swarming
(due to increased cluster space), and eliminate gnawing  of comb and
propolizing next to entrance.  It also eliminates ladder comb which makes
reversing a breeze!
    I wouldn't bee without them!
Charles Andros
[log in to unmask]
-----Mensagem original-----
De: Frank Fox <[log in to unmask]>
Para: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Data: Sexta-feira, 28 de Agosto de 1998 18:58
Assunto: Slotted rack -Reply
 
 
>my 2 cents on the subject..the first 4-6" of the slatted rack is 1 solid =
>plank of wood to reduce the amount of light coming in as a result of the =
>entrance.  because of this, the girls will supposedly do a better job of =
>drawing out foundation in the lower corners of the frames as well as =
>filling up more of the cells with honey, pollen, etc.  therefore, if you =
>believe this, always place the slotted rack on the hive entrance with the =
>solid section FACING THE FRONT.  Also, some beekeeps insist that the =
>bottom board be painted a dark color to again reduce the amount of light =
>coming into the hive.  i really don't know if there's merit to anything =
>i've described here.  i've run hives with and without slotted racks and =
>have not noticed a difference.  therefore, i've eliminated that piece of =
>equipment and the ensuing costs.  after all, it's a nickel and dime =
>business.
>
>frank fox  lebanon, tn
>
>[log in to unmask]
>[log in to unmask]