New Packages and Dead Drones

[The Bix]

I and my daughter installed two packages last Sunday.  Things seem to be going well and I noticed a bit of pollen going into these hives today.  Upon a closer inspection I noticed a lot of dead bees in front of the hive.  Initially alarmed, I took a closer look and found that almost all of them were drones.  Looks like the ladies kicked them out and refused readmittance.  I know this happens late in the season, why would it be happening now?  Is this normal when one installs packages?  I installed two packages last year and don't remember seeing dead drones.  Maybe there were too many drones in the package and the girls were balancing things out?

[AllenF]

How's the weather in your area.  I assume that it is cooler than where the packages came from.  Maybe the bees think they are going into winter.

[The Bix]

It's been cooler.  Nights are still getting below 40 degrees F.  Most days in the sixties.

[ivashka]

The Bix:  I live in Thornton, Co and I picked up my packaged bees this past Saturday at Bee or not to bee, probably same place as you did, and I have the same issues.  All of my drones are laying outside dead.   I checked my hive yesterday and some of them are still inside the hive alive.  I think bees kicked them out because they weren't doing anytihng anyways, but they kept a few just in case.  I don't think it's anything major to be worried about cause my 2 other hives don't have any drones at all and no drone brood.
Good Luck!   

[The Bix]

Ivashka, yes, got my from Chad in Denver on Saturday just like you.  The packages seem to be doing well, active bees, healthy queen, everything looks good.  Hoping we can get our weather to cooperate now. :)

[Two Bees]

Since your packages probably contained a laying queen, the drones are not really needed at the present.  Once the colony is established, the queen will produce drones if they are needed again.