Reason for concern ?

[SwedeBee1970]

This morning I was taking measurements on my bee hive entrances for a new entrance reducer made out of galvanized metal. I noticed the bees had kicked to the curb some almost born larva. There where just about 6-7 dead ones and none on the ground. Is this a reason for concern or normal ?

If there is anyone who wishes to see my new "Winter Entrance reducer", let me know and I'll post a picture in my website: http://greenanything.yolasite.com .

[Beeslave]

It was more than likely drone brood they were taking out. If you were in the hive recently brood could have been damaged and they are taking that out. If they are on the verge of starvation they could be taking the brood out.

[SwedeBee1970]

My last visit was 1 week ago. These looked fresher in a sense. They had plenty to eat and plenty to feed to brood. During the day they're going gangbusters. I've seen a few dead ones, however there are only but a couple. Under 10 to be exact and most look like drones. Thanks for the tip.

[SwedeBee1970]

Yes, it the collective kicking out the drones. Now both hives are doing this. Must mean they're cleaning house for winter.

[Beeslave]

When they all start kicking out the drones you know the swarm season is done.:)

[treeoflife]

My hive kicked out many drone larvae about 2 weeks ago, along with some drones. When I checked the hive last weekend, I did notice some capped drone cells on a few frames. Is this typical???:s

[LenInNorCal]

As I understand it, poorly as well, the bees born NOW will survive the winter, which is longer than life expectancy for the rest of the year, which is about 6 weeks. The hive will need some drones so they won't kill all of them. Those drone eggs you see will make it to spring. The ones you saw two weeks ago were old and needed to be tossed in preparation for winter.

[SwedeBee1970]

Now that I'm being educated on winter bee preparation, the other day I took a visit to both hives. They where doing fine, both of them, however one hive had a fuzzy caterpillar on the comb. The bees didn't seem to mind. Naturally I picked it off and discarded. Will this have any affect on the rest ?

Both hives have only two brood supers. The first hive has the lower one full and the top one 60-70% filled. This next finding puzzled me. One of the frames was totally a honey frame and the remaining next to it where brood 3/4 the way up and honey at top (normal I think). The book said to put a honey super on when the 7/10 rule was in affect. 7 frames full and nearing fall or winter. Did I do the right thing ?

The 2nd hive was delayed due to a failing queen when I first got them in early June. Luckily they created a new one and is doing fine, except for the fact they're about 5-6 frames of brood behind hive number one. With fall around the corner it looks like I'll have to help them out a bit with "Pollen Patties" if not feed them during winter to keep them alive. We have billions of flowers and pollen/nectar sources everywhere in my yard alone. My question is: Is hive # 2 headed for disaster or am I anticipating failure on their behalf ?