Expelled Drones

[Ben Brewcat]

I had two colonies I had moved from a bear-accessed apiary. Each, about three days post-move, had a large kill out front that was approx. 80% drone. Total head-scratcher. Two other colonies in the same (new) yard totally unaffected.

[JRG13]

I saw my hive booting young drones while others came and went freely. When I put the evicted ones back on the landing strip, they got an immediate reaction of not being wanted. Obviously the bees could sense something about them and wanted them gone. They could not fly either but seemed in perfect health. They could sit and run their wings fine, just couldn't get lift. The local lizard got a good meal anyways.

[gardnson]

More than likely (barring any disease or mite crowding) the girls are simply saying no free food for you at this time. Once the nuc is established and has a positive food flow the drones will likely be allowed to stay...

[Rick 1456]

I had two of my hives toss drone larvae. 20 or thirty. I like to think it hygienic for mites, but I just think it is the dearth we are coming into. JMO