In a message dated 97-04-09 15:10:05 EDT, you write: << I have this problem as well. I can't start breeding until about the middle of June because there are no drones till then. I wonder if anyone has any experience of keeping a colony headed by an drone laying queen alive over the winter? >> Yes you can winter over a virgin queen to produce Drones in early spring. The book that best describes it is; Practical Queen Production in the North by Carl A. Jurica, Ph.D. 325 Wells Street Johnstown, NY 12095 You can get the book directly from him or try Beekeeping Education Service at [log in to unmask] Good Luck Rich B