inner cover question?

[bayareaartist]

ok, I have made my own inner cover and I was wondering, do I have to have a hole in the middle of it?
what is the purpose of having a hole there.

Thank you.
Donn

[Robo]

ventilation, access to feed, inspection

[Michael Bush]

I bought a "hole saw" dirll bit the size of a mason jar lid.  When I make my own inner covers, I put a hole that size on the cover and put #8 hardware cloth on the bottom of the hole.  I can feed with a mason jar with holes in the lid AND I can refill without facing a bee.  It also provides ventilation in the winter.  I like the 1/4" laun for inner covers.  It doesn't warp like the masonite does and it's nice and lightweight.