Define 'laying workers'! Since queenright colonies often have some laying workers, how many must there be before we define the colony as having 'laying workers'? If there a gradual increase from the time that a colony becomes queenless, is it a subjective judgement on the part of the beekeeper as to when the colony is described as a laying worker colony? Peter Edwards [log in to unmask] ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dave Cushman" <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: 05 July 2002 18:04 Subject: Re: [BEE-L] Laying Workers > Hi Lloyd & All > > > In order to have laying workers, a hive has to > > have been queenless for around 5 weeks... > > This is more like five or six days in UK.. In 5 weeks we would only have > about 50% of a colony left, and that is with bees that have an adult life of > about 8 weeks as opposed to 6 that is considered 'normal' > > > Best Regards & 73s... Dave Cushman, G8MZY > Beekeeping & Bee Breeding Website... > http://website.lineone.net/~dave.cushman >