In message <[log in to unmask]>, Howard McGinnis <[log in to unmask]> writes >There were several >emerging workers, the head poking out of the cell. Perhaps 7 or 8 on each >side, but dead. As George said - chilling. When I leave colonies without treatment to see how well they overwinter, I often find them weaker than I wanted and with dead workers like yours. I suspect the colony loses bees due to weakening and shortened lives and just cannot keep the brood warm enough as the cluster contracts. They recover after treatment (I use a thymol based one) and where necessary, additional frames and bees from the strongest colonies. > I also saw a dead worker head in a cell. Usually starvation, but in large numbers in a foodless area of the frame. >I've had a chance to see a worker emerge and don't remember any workers >helping her emerge Not done for workers - queens, yes. -- James Kilty :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::