Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum
BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => EQUIPMENT USAGE, EXPERIMENTATION, HIVE PLANS, CONSTRUCTION TIPS AND TOOLS => Topic started by: beek4018 on March 29, 2010, 09:37:11 pm
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Apologies if this is a covered topic already, but I couldn't find what I was looking for in the archives.
I'm getting my hives ready for package arrival next week, and the beek I've been working with is out of town - so he's no help on this.
I'm wondering what size hole should be drilled, how many of them, and where, to improve ventilation?
The guy I've been working with drilled holes that look to be a bit less than an inch in diameter on the front & back of the top deep on his two-deep hives. Both holes (one front and one back) are above and offset from the handles.
Does this sound about right?
He drilled those holes with the bees in residence just before closing things up for the winter last November. I figured it would be easier to do it now while mine are empty. Is there any reason why I should wait?
Is there a reason why you wouldn't also ventilate the lower deep in this fashion as well?
Thanks.
Thanks,
Glenn
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Holes like you are talking about would also be used as entrances, is that what you want? May be too many entrances for a new package to defend? I dont think ventilation will be a big issue with a newly installed package. When the hive grows and you need more ventilation, take out your entrance reducer on the bottom. Also, you can get/make a shim that has screened in holes around it for top ventilation. Or, prop your lid open a little. You may also consider a slatted rack under your brood chamber. There are lots of options besides drilling holes in your boxes.
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I've used shims before to improve ventilation. It's works well and you can remove it when needed. There is a Irmie shim that some beeks use. I've used one from time to time and found it worked well. If you worried about robbing or two many holes, you can always cover then with fine meshed screening.
Regards,
Tucker1