Hi Bob & all

> My guess is that if you do not put the drone comb in the path of the queen
> and instead at the edge of the nest she will be less inclined to lay in
the
> cells.

With colonies that only occupy the centre group of frames at the end of
winter you can put a full frame of drawn drone cells just outside the nest
on each side. If the bees expand onto these frames they will use them, but
if you just pull a couple of frames and replace with drone comb, then that
stops them expanding.

I have used triangles of various sizes and in various frame positions,
usually mimicing the shape that I expect the nest to be, but you have to put
the frames in the previous season.

> How do you set up a drone rearing colony which has no other purpose
> but to produce large amounts of drones?

This is one of the few times that I will use more than one brood box on a
hive.

First thing is the queen must be of the right pedigree.

Second thing is suplementary feeding using frame feeders with honey feed
diluted 50/50 with water (honey of known origin of course).

Extra pollen trapped from other colonies in the same apiary, either put in
empty drawn combs or fed in 'Taber' troughs.

On top of the two brood boxes put a QE and supers well ahead of need, you
will get some honey but only a couple of supers full.

The amount of drone comb can be as much as 50%, but is mostly 33% - 40%.


Best Regards & 73s, Dave Cushman... G8MZY
Beekeeping & Bee Breeding Website
Email: [log in to unmask] or  [log in to unmask]
http://website.lineone.net/~dave.cushman & http://www.dave-cushman.net

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
-- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and  other info ---
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::