Drone

Irwin · June 21, 2008, 08:23:30 PM

I have a bunch of drones out flying 7 in about 5 minute's is this a bad thing

JP · June 21, 2008, 09:02:04 PM

Nope, not necessarily, it could mean a variety of things. I just had some bees complete an orientation flight and there were drones flying about, think they got excited. You will see them particularly when a virgin is either leaving or returning from her maiden voyage. And for other reasons.

...JP

randydrivesabus · June 21, 2008, 09:03:36 PM

they're out looking for a good time. too bad they get but one per lifetime.

eri · June 21, 2008, 10:05:11 PM

Maybe the drones only get one per lifetime, but the queen gets the best of the best several times. Oh, yeah, but then she has to lay eggs constantly for the rest of her life. Dunno who I'd choose to bee. Hmmm, I think I'll wish for human again in the next lifetime, or perhaps a tree.

poka-bee · June 21, 2008, 10:53:30 PM

Eri, next lifetime I want to be one of my pets... :-D Jody

eri · June 21, 2008, 11:23:09 PM

Jody -- yes, perhaps as my rat terrier, Dexter. Man, does he have the life! He goes adventuring every day with my partner to house building sites in the country, right now it is a dairy farm with the prettiest Jersey cows I've ever seen and they all have names. He eats lunch with the Mexicans, who prepare elaborate hot lunches and listen to gorgeous music. Everybody is happy (well, most of the time) and Dexter knows Spanish better than I do and this little 20 pound body
dominates the bed. Then again, trees aren't bothered by the ticks.

Robo · June 21, 2008, 11:29:19 PM

Quote from: Irwin on June 21, 2008, 08:23:30 PM
I have a bunch of drones out flying 7 in about 5 minute's is this a bad thing

Not a problem at all. Hives seem to manage the drone population to what they want. If you try to limit it, they will build burr comb to raise more if they want. As long as you have good brood, and not all drone brood, drones are a sign of a healthy hive. Drone activity seems to be higher at times in the afternoon. I find around 4pm my hives have quite a lot.

JP · June 22, 2008, 09:01:32 AM

Quote from: Robo on June 21, 2008, 11:29:19 PM
Quote from: Irwin on June 21, 2008, 08:23:30 PM
I have a bunch of drones out flying 7 in about 5 minute's is this a bad thing

Not a problem at all. Hives seem to manage the drone population to what they want. If you try to limit it, they will build burr comb to raise more if they want. As long as you have good brood, and not all drone brood, drones are a sign of a healthy hive. Drone activity seems to be higher at times in the afternoon. I find around 4pm my hives have quite a lot.

And a good time of the day (4pm) for orientating flights.

...JP

hankdog1 · June 22, 2008, 05:16:35 PM

If your worried about it look inside the hive and make sure your queen isn't drone laying. It's a sign you need to start looking for a new queen. But drone in a hive aren't always a sign of bad things so look inside and it will tell the tell if you have a problem or not.

Irwin · June 22, 2008, 06:15:35 PM

Just checked the hive every thing look's good inside. The super I just add last week look's GREAT . The nectar flow is on big time you can see ther fully loaded . Thank's for the help as you all know I'm new at this and get scared at times after all they are my little girl's:-D

Michael Bush · July 03, 2008, 11:38:26 PM

In a good strong hive this time of year one in five of your bees may be drones. The number will drop off from here on as this is the end of prime swarm season (at least here).

trex · July 04, 2008, 03:03:13 AM

I,m sure glad all you bee people are there for us. I too get scared at all this activitiesthis time of year , mine you this is also my first year in this . I went from having three hive to having nine in a matter of weeks do to this swarm season . It all come down to good house keeping of the bees. Keeping one step ahead of them. Thanks for all the good info bees