Hi everyone,
 
I searched the BEE-L archive for previous discussion about the use of
slatted racks.  The consensus seemed to be that slatted racks may
improve ventilation in the hive, and may also cut down on entrance
drafts, thereby encouraging the bees not to chew on the bottom of the
frames in the bottom brood box.
 
However, not too many people were able to comment on slatted racks
first hand--that is, it didn't seem as though many people were using
them.  So, I'm essentially trolling for people who have (or currently
are) using slatted racks.  Do you feel using the slatted rack made a
difference?  Did you encounter any disadvantages?
 
Personally, I'm leaning towards using a slatted rack, because I'm
brand-new to [hobby] beekeeping and have exactly one (1) hive that I
obtained as a nuc last week.  I have the luxury of being able to afford
(in terms of time and money) to pamper my bees, if indeed using a
slatted rack can be considered pampering.  ;)
 
However, if there are trade-offs to using a slatted rack, I'd
(obviously) like to know about them before making a decision.
 
Thanks,
James
 
--
James Ralston / Systems & Networks / Computing and Information Services
University of Pittsburgh / 600 Epsilon Drive / Pittsburgh PA 15238-2887
"Computer, you and I need to have a little talk."  - O'Brien, ST:DS9