---------------Original Message--------------- M For those who might jump to the conclusion that I had a drone layer, not so. There was plenty of regular worker brood, nearly 7-9 frames worth. The question is, is this early for drones? I was not expecting to see them for at least another month. Does their presence this early in our season mean anything or is it normal? Dare I hope that it is a GOOD sign for a change? Yours, Mark Egloff [log in to unmask] Hobby Beekeeper and Amateur Student of Bee-ology You are right it is a good sign, as your queen seems fine, then you can smile, since the bees will only raise drones when they are in good shape,(all things being equal) in the spring, we have had drones right through the winter, in three story colonies. TPLR HONEY FARMS Tim Townsend RR 1 Stony Plain Alberta [log in to unmask]