Hi Jim and Everyone,
Lloyd, Glen Stanley does in fact use an upper entrance - between the
two deep boxes not at the top of the hive.  The top of the hive is
insulated which prevents moisture from collecting and dripping on the
cluster alone the the entrance between the boxes it works very well here
in the north.  In the past I have used an entrance at the top of the
hive as many do but have switched to the entrance between the boxes.
Both work.  The top insulation may retain enough of the heat from the
cluster that the cluster can cover more frames and move to nearby stores
under colder outside conditions which of course helps winter survival in
cold climates.
Jim it sounds to me like you did things right.  The additional feeding
is also key to getting colonies through the winter in good shape.

FWIW

blane


******************************************
Blane White
MN Dept of Agriculture
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