In a message dated 29/09/04 18:08:46 GMT Daylight Time, [log in to unmask] writes: <<I have heard that bottomless hives can be healthier too. But I keep bees naked, that is to say in shorts and t-shirt and no veil, though I have started wearing safety goggles recently. I have heard that bottomless colonies can tend to be more agressive/defensive since the number of guard bees increases by magnitudes.>> I don't know where you heard this, but I've had my colonies of SBB's (I assume that's what you mean) for several years now, and I've noticed no difference at all, even when I had one with a sister queen sitting next to them, on a solid bottom. Regards, Robert Brenchley :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::