[LEAD PIPE]

Is it okay to inspect the hive when bees are doing orientation flights? I wanted to check it today but there were 200 bees flying all around it. I figured I would wait until tomorrow. How long do these flights last?

I have a slanted bottom rack that I didn't put on the hive, I was thinking of adding it tomorrow. Should I, even though I have a screened bottom board?


Thanks

 

[power napper]

No problem working the hive when bees are doing orientation flights--every day bees are maturing and doing orientation flights.
Do not use the slanted bottom rack so can not assist with that question.
Power napper

 

[carbide]

As power napper stated, there are bees maturing every day, so typically there are bees doing orientation every day. I've had no problems working my hives when they are out orienting.
The orientation at my hives typically last between a half hour and an hour.

 

[LEAD PIPE]

Thanks

Anyone on the slanted rack question?

 

[Dave W]

I use a SBB (mostly to monitor mites) and like many others, have NOT used a Slatted Rack. A SR would give bees more room to "cluster" under frames, which may improve ventilation. But, opening top of hive in some way, probably helps best.

 

[odfrank]

I use slaTTEd racks on my screened pallet hives.

 

[Michael Bush]

I have slatted racks on most of my hives. The give the bees a little more ventilation without a SBB and a little more control over the ventilation WITH a SBB. I have all of my slatted racks on SBBs.