I checked three hives regularly right through one  winter, and none of them 
was ever totally broodless. At about New Year, they  were down to about 3-4 
capped cells, which was the lowest. So I can reasonably  say that my particular 
strain of near-Amm is never likely to be totally  broodless in my particular 
area, but that around New Year it will be almost so.  I can't speak for other 
strains or areas though. I do wonder whether they might  go broodless if the 
winter was long and cold enough.
 
    Regards,
 
    Robert Brenchley

-- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ and  other info ---