I am looking for information, comments and experiences with the side-by-side 2 queen configuration.  This is when two hives are placed side-by-side and they share the same honey super(s) which is separated by a queen excluder.

                          ____
                   ___|____|___      Honey super
                   |_____|_____|      Brood
                   |_____|_____|      Brood

Is honey production greater than having two separate hives?
Can the entrances of the two hives be on the same side?
Do the strength of the two hives need to be similar?

I would be interested in receiving internet links to get more information,  As well, I would be interested in any experiences the list subscribers may have had with this congregation including pros and cons.

Gerhart Pahl
Vancouver BC