When is queenless...actually queenless?

[Tremyfro]

Yes. They often appear fatter once they're in lay. Is she marked by any chance?

Yes she is marked..she is from Paynes.
I have been requeening this year. 2 colonies...the other 2 colonies both have Blue queens from last year...so they can stay. It's amazing how quickly they lay up the frames once they get going.