Any Drones or Drone cells in the UK yet?

Into the lions den · Apr 25, 2013

Further update.

Just went out myself and checked a small group at the back of our shed.................colonies rescued from the floods.

ALL have sealed and emerging brood, over three to six frames, although the combs are grim after the immersion, the bottom third or so showing the effects of the flood damage. Brood pattern too spotty for my liking, could be the bad matings last year in part to blame. Not fond of 'apiary vicinity mating' traits for that reason. Too many closely related drones get involved.

Nothing even vaguely like Pbees brood pic, but at least they have abundant stores and pollen.

Oh, and most definitely no drones, drone brood, or even eggs in drone cells.

herefordshirehoney · Apr 25, 2013

Into the lions den said:
Big issues up here. 24th April and not seen ANY sealed brood yet, never mind drone brood. Plenty stores, plenty pollen, patties on to encourage, and most colonies still in tight cluster when lifting the top off. Build up still weeks away.

What are your hives like in Hereford or they still up north?

BeeNice · Apr 25, 2013

Where the bloody hell is 'the land of the long black cloud'!! and why can't people put in a proper location so we can all relate to it.

Gower · Apr 25, 2013

drone brood and emerged drones on frames. plenty of health looking BIAS too.

Haughton Honey · Apr 25, 2013

PBee - great photo, thanks.

ITLD - I hope that a good heather crop makes up for your late start to the season. As DanBee mentioned on the forum a week or two ago, it appears that the main task this year will be to build colonies up to strength in order that they get through next Winter.....rather than expect any significant honey crop.

Into the lions den · Apr 25, 2013

herefordshirehoney said:
What are your hives like in Hereford or they still up north?

Quite heavy losses at Hereford, average colony size quite small. The two resident guys arrive there today to get the season going.

Will revert later on what they find once they get right into the bees. In general the poly hives have winter pretty well, but the southern unit is the exception.

They have overwintered in the south.