Do drones feed themselves?

[twb]

I tell the kids in my bee talks that the drones in the hive just sit around and eat honey.  Once I said I thought I had read that they don't even feed themselves.  The workers feed them.  Now, having watched them in my obs hive it sure looked like one stuck his head into a cell of honey like he was eating.  I just want to be correct in the info I pass on to others.  Thanks.

[JP]

Drones are moochers, plain and simple, yes they eat honey wherever and whenever they can.


...JP

[MrILoveTheAnts]

I believe they only accept it when the workers can feed them directly though, or when you open the hive and accidentally open some cells.

[JP]

I believe they only accept it when the workers can feed them directly though, or when you open the hive and accidentally open some cells.

This could be true, I usually see them feeding on cut-outs and such, will have to stick my head in a hive to see what care they're given.


...JP

[BenC]

It seems they often prompt workers to do the feeding.  They are however perfectly able to feed themselves, I've observed them feeding on sugar syrup many times.  Concerning a drones food acquisition, the easiest way appears to be the preferred way. 

[qa33010]

     I've been told that they will be fed by workers when they are young, but as they grow older they have to beg to be fed or get it where they can.