I had some hives open today and noticed a few drones. Has any one else noticed any drones this time of year?
Not always do all the drones get kicked out of the hive. Most do, but some occasionally remain within the hive just the same.
If I see a lot I look for a queen, since queenless hives will tolerate drones more. One here and there seems to be normal for the ferals. I never saw as many with the Italians.
I wondered on of my hives because tens of drones come out to snow weather when I gives oxalic acid. But on the bottom of hive there was too just born worker bodies. They have a queen but they have not killed all drones.
Three of five hives still have some drones. Got video of one hive kicking them out. After this cold spot we may lose the rest. Last winter was so mild I had drones all winter. They still fly out every day and return. There are worker brood on three of the five hives. Haven't looked in the brood boxes of the two new ones yet.