Drones in Winter

[Worker Dave]

Hello all you Beeks i have just joined the forum.
I would like to start off by asking whether anyone else has noticed Drones still flying in their apiary this week. I have one hive where i saw a couple of drones flying back into the hive. I've been Beekeeping for two years now so am still a novice but i was expecting all drones to have been kicked out by the end of autumn, so i would like to know if anybody thinks i have a problem. All advice is welcome.
Many thanks Dave

 

[Frisbee]

Hello Worker Dave and welcome to the forum

My drones were kicked out a couple of months ago, but I believe there was some talk about drones still present in hives not so long ago. I'm sure some others will come along soon and tell you

Frisbee

 

[Poly Hive]

It's all about averages really. As in on average the drones normally would be out by now but as in all averages there have to be extremes to create the average.

I have seen the odd drone in spring, and I dinna mean from a drone layer...LOL

If drones are still in the hive now I would say there is every chance they may still be there in spring. Sign of a prosperous colony or a sign of slippery drones...LOL

P

 

[Hivemaker.]

Welcome to this forum Dave,when did you last inspect this colony for brood,is it a strong colony.

 

[Worker Dave]

Hello Hivemaker
Have just looked at my record card. It was last inspected on 26th September and at that time there was eggs, larvae and two frames of sealed brood. I would say as well that yes it was a strong colony this summer
Thanks Dave

 

[oliver90owner]

If you read the right(?) books you will have noted that there are instances of drones in the hive all winter. I think discussion around early possible supercedure or late but well developed nuc sized colonies - can't remember clearly - but references are made to this behaviour in several places.

Regards, RAB

 

[Hivemaker.]

Sounds like they should be fine,i have a few in some colonys.
They sometimes have more if they have a late virgin from supercedure,which may not be so good,also have noticed that a colony with nosema tend to keep the drones.

 

[Worker Dave]

Many thanks to those who replied, if nothing else it's food for thought
Thanks Dave

 

[tonybloke]

one of my hives still has a few drones, they are very dark bees, BTW