Not sure

[GSF]

I went in about 5 hives today (and a nuc) with several more to go. Two had so so brood, which I figured normal this time of year, everything else great. Last year this time I was watching my package slowly grow. One small (combined) hive had a queen and not hardly any brood and eggs. Maybe something like the size and length of three fingers.

Another didn't have the first egg, larva, or capped brood, but they did have a queen

The last one didn't have nothing but some bees and a lot of stores, no q, e, cb, or larva.

The real question I have is with the brood less, eggless queen right hive. This is a hive from a cut out on 4 Jul. Is this normal or not abnormal for a hive this time of year? Understand, there wasn't any sign of new life any where.

I have about 12 more hives to go through. Off the cuff I'd say SWARM BAIT! But this fall inspection is a first for me and I can't compare it to anything.

[iddee]

I've seen several hives in the last two weeks that were queenrite but broodless. It seems to be the norm this year. WHY, I don't know.

[GSF]

Thanks Iddee, that gives me something to go on. This being my first fall with multiple colonies I wasn't sure what it was I was seeing.

If it was spring I'd know to check again in a couple of weeks.

[iddee]

Being in Al., I would check the first sunny, 60 degree day after Xmas. Solstice being the 21st of Dec., queens should start laying shortly after that.

[jayj200]

Good to know