1. Porter escapes belong in the ark. Rubbish. 2. Look up Canadian Bee Escapes which for pennies you can make at home. Like this: http://www.dave-cushman.net/bee/canadian.html 3. Ventilation.. umm... insulate above, 1" polystyrene minimum and use mesh in the floor. PH
Thanks Gavin, that has help I think I may as well try that and see what results.
As always, you'll find a range of views. I'm a feeder hole open kind of guy. That way you don't need to worry about bees on the crown board when you return the roof (other than any around the rim and at risk of squashing). I don't see any point in propping up the floor. They might add propolis or wax there one day and make putting it back difficult. You are also making the hive less defensible from robbing bees or wasps which could give them problems at some stage. You're probably better to ask such questions in the main forum as the mobile users don't usually read the blogs. Welcome to the forum!