Demaree - top opening or not

[Etton]

I'm not out to build another colony just to grow the hive and prevent swarming. I've not created a top opening, am using a jbm board, but thinking I need to have a top opening to allow the drones to escape. What do others do?

 

[Erichalfbee]

JBM's board has a top opening.

 

[Cuckmere couple]

agree with Dani

if you've made a board in keeping with JBMs instructions, it will have a top opening...

allow drones to escape and am rolling frames down into LBB when empty

 

[Finman]

You just make an opening. That is it.

 

[Etton]

Does it matter which direction it points... same as bottom opening?
Will a newly mated queen normally find the top opening, if building a new colony in the top BB?

 

[Erichalfbee]

Face it the same way.
A newly mated queen will go to the entrance she flew out of

 

[holmbee]

I have made up three Demaree boards according to JBM's instructions but added the option of inserting a simple door - similar to the Snelgrove boards I made a couple of years ago. These could be used if there is a serious wasp or robbing problem. Unlikely to be used as expect Demarees to be used only for the main swarm season. This is the first year I have used Demaree boards.
Michael

 

[Newbeeneil]

JBM's board has a top opening.

Where are the plans for JBM's board??

 

[Erichalfbee]

Where are the plans for JBM's board??

https://beekeepingforum.co.uk/threads/demaree-question.49503/Post 6

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

 

[Newbeeneil]

Cheers Dani and JBM.