Small bees in my hives

[J.T Bees]

I have 2 nucs that i recently requeened. Today as i was inspecting them I noticed a number of abnormally small bees. The were almost 1/2 size of normal workers. Are these just newborns bees that i haven't noticed before? Does it have anything to do with the russian breed. This is my first time with russian queens.

[IndianaHoney]

If they are fuzzy it is most likely newly emerged bees. After a couple of days they will be normal size. The other possibility is that you are using starter strips, foundationless, or small cell foundation. All of these will produce much smaller bees.

[MichelinMan]

I started 2 Russian nucs last May and the ones I got were definitely smaller than Italians. Maybe that`s what helps them tolerate varroa mites better. Anyway they are great bees, gentle, and hauling in lots of honey. I will get some more next spring.