upper entrance for winter

[buford]

i want to make the upper entrance in my hives the only entrance during the winter.

do i need to do this before winter hits, or can i make the change any time i feel like it.

also, i'll be using the notch in the inner cover for the entrance. can i lift the inner cover a bit, to make the entrance a little more accessible, or will too much heat escape?

(our winters rarely go below ten degrees)

[Michael Bush]

I would do it early enough for them to get used to it before the cold sets in.

Lift the inner cover? You can put a shim on each side and make an entrance that runs the length of the front of the hive, but I'm not sure you need it. Robbing is a bigger worry for me than the heat loss, when you get a warm day and a lot of bored bees. I like the entrances to be defensible.

[buford]

i'm sorry, i meant lifting the OUTER cover. also, i was intending on having the notch be between the outer cover and inner cover (rather than reverse the inner cover, facing the notch downwards).

i think you told me a while ago that it doesn't really matter which way the inner cover is placed.

[Michael Bush]

>i think you told me a while ago that it doesn't really matter which way the inner cover is placed.

As far as the bees getting out. Yes. As far as ventilation. Yes. They will get out by going over or under it.

But it may have less of a draft with the notch up and depending on the inner cover design they may have more or less burr at the top because of differences in beespace.

[Hayseed]

"But it may have less of a draft with the notch up and depending on the inner cover design they may have more or less burr at the top because of differences in beespace."

I've been placing a 3/4" piece between the outer and inner covers to allow more air flow, all summer. 10 colonies - no burr comb between covers. Also, no travel of bees out or in through this space. Is this because the distance from the frames or just lucky? Most of my supers also have 3/4" hole drilled in front for ventilation and entrance. I plug them in winter with cork but leave the space on top or use 2" riser with 1" hole in front. This will be my second winter and am looking for any advise. (all 6 colonies made it through last year - humble brag)

Dale