Guilfordbeekeepers.org

We have one hive that hasn't taken any pollen cake (it's not used and all dry). We went into the brood chamber and found what appeared to be fresh capped cells (which we figure were drones because they were larger) and saw some white brood in similar large but open brood cells. There were lots of old-looking dark brown capped cells, but these cappings didn't look fresh like the other ones.

In this same hive about a week ago we saw about 8 or 10 bees laden with pollen on each frame, so they have been working. We didn't see any today, though, probably because it was cooler and they weren't flying around.

Here are the questions: How do we know if the brood cells really were drones? What do queen brood cells look like? if a hive doesn't have a queen, will the hive still produce drones? Or does the presence of drone cells mean that there is an active queen?

And what should fresh brood look like this time of year?

Hi Beth!

Hmmm!!!
Well, if they havent taken any of the pollen cake then I would suggest that they are probably too small to concern themselves with it.
You said you saw some with pollen sacks full? Have you actually seen any eggs recently?
Drone cells are bullet shaped and almost always occur on the lower portion of the frame. http://www.acay.com.au/~asqbees/bigpic6.jpg
http://bees.limey.net/images/2002-05-01 ... ension.jpg
Drone cells protrude horizontally from the frame just like a regular worker cell but have a raised cap.
Queen cells or swarm cells look like a peanut in the shell hanging vertically from the frame. Quite distinct in appearance. http://www.beecare.com/images/Comb/SwarmCells.jpg
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~awcannon/Qcells.gif
If the hive does not have a queen it can only produce drones. A laying worker or worker's ovaries will become productive and the colony will be on a path of self destruction unless intervention by the beekeeper.
Look for fresh eggs. The eggs should be laid one to a cell and should be in the bottom of that cell, otherwise you may have a laying worker.
This time of year you should have a good solid pattern of brood on several frames. A good pattern of brood... http://photo.bees.net/gallery/photos/br ... _brood.jpg
Brood cappings should be relatively light in color but can vary greatly depending upon the age of the comb.
Some dark cappings may indicate brood chill at some point, but you also need to be aware of the possibility of American Foulbrood. http://www.kohala.net/bees/amfoul1.JPG
http://www.ent.uga.edu/bees/images/afb6.jpg

Best regards,

Kurt