Hello:

I'm a new beekeeper with two package hives. I have screened bottom boards in place, but I still see bees congregating at the hive entrance. Not quite bearding, but close, and this has been on days when the temp was only slightly warm.
I purchased plastic top feeders when getting set up, a move which I now regret, but they're all I have at this time. I need to begin feeding again, and would like to give some top ventilation to keep things cool inside. These feeders are quite flexible, and I'm afraid that if I prop up one side, the thing will flex enough to prevent the top cover from sealing out bees. When I installed the packages with these feeders on, one hive lost about 25% of their population by getting in the syrup and drowning.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks!