Marg, the hive observed with the drones has an excellent laying queen. It is one of our strongest hives and is boiling with bees. great brood pattern. The reason I started this thread is because we have not observed Drones in our hives this late in the past. However, mamm7215 is seeing similar observations in Vancouver, BC. Just today I observed that hive pushing drones out once again as there were a few around on the ground disoriented and i believe dying. Must have something to do with the 2020 thing?...Is your queen also laying enough fertilised eggs?
I was surprised by having a whole drone frame in March (equivalent to north hemisphere September). Being a novice and locked down due to COVID, I just noted the event and didn't think about it any further.
When my hive emerged in spring failing and queenless, someone suggested that the late drones were a symptom of an underperforming queen.
I would have thought this, too but the laying pattern was a typical football shape covering most of the frame center on a few frames, not drone cells either.Is your queen also laying enough fertilised eggs?
I was surprised by having a whole drone frame in March (equivalent to north hemisphere September). Being a novice and locked down due to COVID, I just noted the event and didn't think about it any further.
When my hive emerged in spring failing and queenless, someone suggested that the late drones were a symptom of an underperforming queen.
I think it depends on the age of the drones. If they are still raising new drones, and you have good weather it might work. I suspect most of the drones in my hives are older though, so not usefull for mating.LAlldredge, today is Nov 9, 20 and I am still observing drones in one of the strong hives. Does any one know if drones this late are capable of mating a virgin queen effectively. I have attached a photo. Any thoughts, opinions or experiences? Thanks.