Backyard Beekeeping Questions and Answers Episode 140, notes on OAV potential problems and more!

Welcome to another episode of Backyard Beekeeping Questions and Answers. You are always welcome to "Bee" here! This is also available as a PodCast: https://frederickdunn.podbean.com/ You can submit your own question by filling out a form here: https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/thewayt... If you have something on your mind and with to join a friendly group of backyard beekeepers, then join the gang on Facebook:   / 3062274013832702   Today's topics are listed below: 1) Can I use a standard entrance reducer in the Flow-Hive standard bottom board? https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/flowhiv... 2) It's in the low 50's here and the bees are taking up water. What are they doing with it? 3) I'm building two Long Langstroth Hives in spring. Can I transfer the frames from my standard Langstroth Hives? What about splitting the brood nest? Why did the bees put propolis on the unfinished plastic frames? 4) My bees were removing sugar from the hive after I put it in using the Mountain camp method. Did I do that too early? 5) When you demonstrated frames in your model miniature hive, you pushed them all to the center. Do you do that with your full sized hives also? I would also like your opinion on comb frames with or without starter strips. See how to make Ross Rounds in this video:    • Ross Round Honey In The Comb How to make c...   6) I tried to slide my OAV wand into the Flow-Hive Entrance but it would not fit, I had to lift the slatted rack up. 7) Do I have to move my hives long distances away and bring them back even in winter? 8) Have you purchased a scratch-and-dent flow hive? If so, what are your thoughts? For those wanting a discount on Flow-Equipment, please follow the links on this page: https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/flowhiv... 9) Are you feeding your hives pollen sub right now? Or is it just for spring buildup? I'm wondering if the bees would benefit from some extra pollen. 10) I have a 10-frame deep that was doing well. They are now down to one frame of bees and I've put them into a five-frame nuc. Do they have a fighting chance? What else can I do? Fluff section - New information about Oxalic Acid Vaporization, you may be creating toxins if you overheat the OA. It's my opinion that you are possibly taking risks when using home-made delivery systems that don't have temperature parameters controlled. There is a study that I would like you to read and take the information into serious consideration before using torch-style systems, or other instant heat delivery systems that may exceed 189.5 centigrade, or 372.2 f. I suggest setting your ProVap 110 at 170 to 175 centigrade. This is the link to the study I referenced: https://academic.oup.com/jee/article/... Do you need some original merchandise designed by Me? Well, I thought you'd never ask, here you go: https://teespring.com/shop/the-way-to... NOTE: Still looking into OAV potential issues. When looking at information posted on the BetterBee.com website, I also found this information: "What happens to Oxalic Acid when heated (vaporized)? When OA reaches 215 degrees (f) the water boils off leaving anhydrous (water free) OA crystals. At 315 degrees the OA crystals start to sublime (go from a solid to a gas). At 372 degrees, OA which has not sublimed decomposes to form formic acid and carbon monoxide. However, the decomposition of OA to formic and carbon monoxide can only occur under laboratory conditions, not in the apiary." Original Source for the above quote is from: OxaVap.com "Can only occur under laboratory conditions, not in the apiary." So my concerns may not have a strong footing. I'll update as I learn more. For those wanting to know more! Some viewers have had questions regarding my statement about feeling for heat with the back of your hand. If you want to dive deeper into that topic, here is a link for your reading pleasure: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25082...