This double nuc had been a mating nuc last summer with a failed virgin return and it developed laying workers before I caught it. I gave it a queen call and it was queenright in no time. But just never did a thing all summer. Late summer I just decided to sock the feed to it and get them to fill frames to distrubute to other hives come fall. Low and behold it grabed a gear and turned into this. This is a January photo. Feeder you see is empty..just taking up space. And is in 3 deeps right now needing another soon. Glad I didn't cull this queen because of non performance.
They say for livestock, before calling the vet..try feeding.
I say that for colonies as well. Not just feed but look at the supporting bees to that queen. Sometimes it IS the queen, but not always. Your stronger hives may also be Italian types and your slower hives a Carniolan type. You might be surprised at the different traits when it comes to build up. Remember, if you DO requeen, queens reared/mated around June are the best. Before days get shorter and flow is in full swing.
Your fall preperations (Or lack of) may have allowed these colonies to go into winter with less stores and /or less young bees-and be effecting their ability to build up now. There is a multitude of things it could be other than the queen. You are the one that knows the history behind the colonies.