Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: Erich on May 09, 2007, 12:51:57 AM

Title: Dead larvae
Post by: Erich on May 09, 2007, 12:51:57 AM
    Tonight I noticed several larvae that the workers had hauled out. This is from a package installed April 14th. The queen started laying between the second and third week on previously drawn comb. It was bothersome that it took her so long to get going, now that she has, maybe there is a reason with the dead larvae. I assume if I found six or so on the ground that many more have been carried further. My question is: What should I be looking for when I inspect? :?    Thank you ahead of time.  Erich                                             
Title: Re: Dead larvae
Post by: Understudy on May 09, 2007, 08:31:19 AM
It is normal for bees to remove larae and pupae that are defective. In a hive it happens quite a bit. The bees know what they are doing.

Sincerely,
Brendhan
Title: Re: Dead larvae
Post by: Mici on May 09, 2007, 08:38:36 AM
another question.
why do so many drones get booted out??! and i know it's not the end of the season booting out but just...i like put him back on the front board, and they haul him off.
do they sense he's no good or something?!?!
Title: Re: Dead larvae
Post by: Robo on May 09, 2007, 08:46:45 AM
Quote from: Erich on May 09, 2007, 12:51:57 AM
My question is: What should I be looking for when I inspect?

Look for healthy patches of brood.  As understudy stated some dead brood is not uncommon.  Hives from packages actually dwindle in size until the first brood start to hatch.  So it could be very possible that the queen has laid more eggs that the current size of the colony can keep covered on a cool night and some of the brood got chilled.

As long as the brood in the hive still looks healthy, I wouldn't worry.
Title: Re: Dead larvae
Post by: Understudy on May 09, 2007, 09:15:38 AM
Typical of females who view males as nothing but trouble.

They may be kicking some out if there are already a large number of drones in the hive. The number of drones in a hive is pretty consistant.

Sincerely,
Brendhan