>What is the general consensus about the size of bottom entrances in the
winter, here on BEE-L?
If you are looking for a general consensus, you're posting to the wrong
group!

>For my hives, I used Mann Lake's black cardboard sleeve, a piece of foam
core under the cover, and a 3/4" auger hole about four inches from the top
of the hive. I never see frost or condensation.
Pete, although I'm interested in how you prepare your hives for winter, an
observation without a control to compare it to does not inform us!  What do
you seen in your hives without the upper vent?  That relatively small vent
with exhibit more resistance to thermosiphoning air currents than some
other top vents.

I'm fascinated by David's observations!  Can you elaborate further on why
the unventilated hives did more poorly under those conditions?  Did the
bees suffocate due to snow sealing the bottom entrance, or was it something
else?


-- 
Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
www.ScientificBeekeeping.com

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