>>...it seemed viability was higher in the spring, and then would get a bit worse in the summer, and then up tick again in the fall. I see the same in my colonies. I used to think this was night temperature related - cooler nights in the spring and fall cause the bees to cluster tightly restricting the queen to lay a tighter pattern? I've also had queens that did great in nucs with ample laying in tight formation w/ great brood viability but, when I'd transfer them into 2-deep hives, some of the queens would not go to lay up 10 frames of brood in the summer. These queens got culled. Waldemar Long Island, NY -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ and other info ---