----- Original Message -----
From: "Robin Dartington" > Drone brood removal in spring has always seemed
to me to be like driving
> with the brake on.  You induce the bees to increase brood rearing but then
> destroy their efforts. If that brood rearing had been concentrated on
> worker
> production, there would be more foragers later and a larger harvest - so
> the
> method is not 'free'.
> Any comments from beekeepers in temperate areas who rely strongly on
> spring
> drone removal?
>
I do cull drone brood in the spring. AFAIK there is no evidence that drones
rearing reduces the production of worker brood. Of course there is the
depletion of resources but if they are sufficient it is probably worth it.
There are always some kind of resources involved in managing colonies to
control undesirable conditions, it can be ours or the bees or both. The
payback is what I believe we are all interested in, for both parties I hope.

Alden Marshall
Hudson, NH  03051

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