Post split inspection: pile of dead bees, drones with ruptured abdomens

[Bill W.]

Two weeks ago, I did a split of an unmaintained hive I picked up. 

I did an inspection today on the daughter hive and found some things I don't know how to interpret.  On the up side, the bees are still active and putting up stores.  I don't have a queen yet, but there are two queen cells, so hopefully that means the hive will be back on track soon.  I have swapped positions with the mother hive twice to keep the numbers up.

However, I found a big pile of dead bees on the bottom board.  The workers didn't have anything apparent wrong with them.  No signs of dysentary.  I was wondering if perhaps the hive is just not being diligent about carrying out the dead because they are queenless.

As I examined the corpses, I found eleven dead drones.  Eight of those eleven had ruptured abdomens.  I understand that this occurs after mating, but I was under the impression that mated drones don't make it back to the hive.  Could these be drones that have successfully mated and returned to the hive to die, or is there something else going on?

[jesuslives31548]

My guess would be, Killed by the workers possible. Drones as we know are lazy, so without the Queen present yet their is a good chance the workers are doing some food saving managment by removing a few of them. Drones eat alot. Just my thought.... 

[JordanM]

I had some bees do the same thing and i started them on foundationless frrames so maybe they are trying to conserve some food.

Does anyone have any other ideas?

[Daddys Girl]

Back when my Buckfasts were absconding, they were apparently queenright, but lacked brood to anchor them.  They left debris in the hive and dead bees.  As soon as they got brood, that pretty much ended and all the sudden the house bees have become fastidious about the cleanliness of the hive.

I think as soon as you get a queen in there, the place will get a massive cleaning!  :)