Queen Excluder - yes or no?

[Michael Bush]

I don't use them except sometimes when queen rearing.

http://www.bushfarms.com/beesulbn.htm
http://www.bushfarms.com/beesfaqs.htm#excluders

[hardwood]

I use them, but not to keep the queen out of the supers. Usually as an "includer" or when making splits.

Scott

[gov1623]

I never used one so i cant tell you if they work or not but i can tell you i never felt the need to have one for honey production. On a rare occasion i get a few patches of brood on the bottom edge of the first honey supper but that's it. As soon as the brood hatches they fill them back with honey. I use double deeps or three mediums for the brood chamber. A lot of people use excluders if they only use one deep hive body.

[patriotgirlie]

Thank you all so much for your thoughts and input.  I think I'm leaning towards not using one, at least to see what happens.  Keep the feedback coming though, I absolutely love it.  The more info I can get the better!!!


Jamie