Thanks for your reply! The bottoms came only with the 'mapping' insert...like waxed cardboard with a grid on it. Seems kinda flimsy when I think of hive warmth. Your thoughts please? The grooves seem a bit generous, so maybe a piece of 1/2" ply will fit in there??? Haven't tried it yet, as it would have to be cut and purchased first. I obviously know in FL, we don't have as many wintering concerns here, but we are pretty rural, and we WILL face a few/several nights below freezing. I just don't know about transferring a colony in an existing 'closed' hive, to a hive with an open bottom. That's my main concern at this time I think...I just don't want to put my girls from a 'long johns' hive, into a 'skirt'...know what I mean? Any input please??
Ironically, the busy season for our bees will be March, when the citrus is in bloom...
I ordered these hive components from Brushy Farms...additional parts coming from Dadant and Miller. I will be busy assembling the brood boxes and frames tomorrow, as I have a wild hive under a shed I hope to gather and save. (The hubby wants to renovate the shed, and the bees do NOT take kindly to the Power Drill//screwdriver!!!)
Thanks for your input! Much appreciated!