Kevin. Re. your 11 April bit about warm versus cold configuration, a number of us are using the warm approach in our part of Canada where we have long, fluctuating cold-wet winters and springs. But it's using the D.E. Hive modified vent kit with its very British style hive stand/landing board. David Eyre is British immigrant living in Ontario for 30+ years and now semi-retired from beekeeping. He makes certain claims about how his approach to ventilation boosts honey production, which are unproven here. https://www.beeworks.com/mod-kit-details/ He runs his frames warm in 11 frame square boxes, but the mod kit is for vent box, outer cover, inner cover, and hive stand for Langstroth dimensions.
My Google searches have produced no robust evidence supporting the merits of one way over the other, but you will find endless debate on the subject on the internet. I have yet to find a peer-reviewed study of air circulation within hives in relation to colony thermoregulation and health that compares these different approaches. In any event, those of who are using the D.E. mod kit are happy with it. I like working the hive from the back, and I use circular rapid feeders which are very easy to fill without disturbing the ladies. Take note of the ventilation in his inner covers. You can e-mail me if you want more info on this. I enjoy your shows! Keep up the good work! Thank you.
Admin Reply by: bkcorner
Great share, never knew about it. Thanks so much for sharing it. I'm going to dig in and make it an upcoming Topic.