If you have installed the five frames into 10 frame boxes, you have 5 empty frames, likely. When there is that much space to cover I will usually use a 3-4 inch opening that allows the guard bees to cover less space and is easier for the guards to monitor for moths and beetles at the entrance. As soon as you see traffic piling up it is ok to open the entrance more. If you have a screened bottom you can utilize the 4 inch opening until the box is 80% filled, then open it up.
I just installed my new nucs and I put an entrance reducer on mine. My understanding is to do that until the hive gets stronger and bigger and can defend itself better.
If you have installed the five frames into 10 frame boxes, you have 5 empty frames, likely. When there is that much space to cover I will usually use a 3-4 inch opening that allows the guard bees to cover less space and is easier for the guards to monitor for moths and beetles at the entrance. As soon as you see traffic piling up it is ok to open the entrance more. If you have a screened bottom you can utilize the 4 inch opening until the box is 80% filled, then open it up.
I just installed my new nucs and I put an entrance reducer on mine. My understanding is to do that until the hive gets stronger and bigger and can defend itself better.