I'm sure this is a beginner question, but I'm
curious. I have read alot but can't recall an
explanation for the behaviour. The last few days toward
evening there are lots of bees hanging out at the
entrance. The hive in particular is a 3lb. package
installed 5/1 with the second deep, with new
foundation, (I had to borrow the previous deep, not yet
drawn, for a swarm) added 6/8, less thans a week ago.
The entrance is not reduced. The evenings have been
warm. I have a feeder box on top the a bottle of 1:1
inside.
 
        Last night around midnight I went and looked
and the entire entrace was covered with bees, in some
places 2 or 3 deep. I'm assuming it is normal behaviour
for a healthy vigorus hive.
 
        Is it normal, and what is the reason?
 
        I haven't checked the second deep but would
assume there is plenty of comb left to draw. Are these
mostly young bees with to little to do and waiting for
their wax glands to kick in? Or maybe the bees leave
the hive to increase the surface area exposed for
evaporating the nectar? Very few bees were fanning
however.
 
        One last thought, do the young bees need to
dry/cure the bodies? If so is the humidity inside the
hive to high, so they go outside for some dryier air?
 
        Thanks.