>If the screened bottom is not protected from winds, or closed off in winter, the outer surface of the cluster is going to be under far more stress than it would in a solid-bottom hive.
All my colonies are on fully open screened floors which have two and a half inch square pieces of timber (fence post) screwed to them front and rear to raise them from the ground. Some of these stand on paving slabs which are surrounded by grass or weeds offering good protection from the wind. Others are on wooden stands perhaps a foot from the ground - so fully open to all the wind passing under them. No difference in survival rates - much to my surprise.
Best wishes
Peter
52°14'44.44"N, 1°50'35"W
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