Queen laying all drones

[opster246]

I installed a new package this spring on new frames.  I was not impressed with the comb they drew out, but though I'd give them a chance.  Queen started laying and the brood has now hatched - I'm fairly sure it is all drones- lots of them.  Is this an indication the queen is not mated or is there another reason for this.  I also noticed a small percentage of the drones have misshapen wings - I remember reading this is indicative of some sort of problem - I think it was Verona related.  No sign of verroa mites yet - but with this many drones, I imagine it is only a matter of time.  Should I scrape off all of this drone comb?  Do I need to replace this queen?  What would this be a sign of?

[ondine]

Varroa and a drone laying queen you are describing

The wing problem is likely deformed wing virus spread by varroa

Unless you have some normal worker brood you can't replace the queen

If there is only drone brood your colony has had it I'm afraid




Sent from my LIFETAB_S1034X using Tapatalk

[Aroc]

Might want to talk to whomever you purchased the package from.

If your hive has DWV chances are they are infested with varroa.

A drone laying queen is definitely not good.  Any chance you have brood from another hive you can steal?  If so you may want to pinch the queen and allow the hive to create their own....if you can.

[GSF]

I wouldn't scrape off the drone comb because it gives the bees wax they can reshape. Some new queens will misfire I know you said this spring but if she's been doing this a while then there's a problem. Definitely replace the queen. If the hive is nothing but drone shake them out and walk away. Keep the drawn comb in light, but not direct sunlight. This way after the mites are gone you can donate those frames to another hive.