Yesterday, As I was tidying up around the apiary removing leaves, I discovered these two poor little drone that had been removed from the hive. Drones are male bees that serve to mate with queens other than their own. As the cold sets in, they are seen by this female dominated society as literally "extra mouths to feed". Still soft, fuzzy and completely intact these were some of the last to be
evicted from their hive. I find them beautiful. The queen will automatically lay new drones in the spring.
Photo Credit: Tilly's Nest
Poor guys! I always wanted chickens and bees. One day I'll find out what a drone does. Guess it's all a part of bee lives!
ReplyDeleteThese little ones only mate with outside queens. They will not mate with their mother to keep the genetic pool diverse. Aren't they smart?
DeleteI feel so bad for them. When we move to the country (hopefully soon), I want to raise bees.
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog - not so long ago I had a little homestead and life was good, but life was so drastically changed that I find my self living in a condo without my chickens, bees , rabbits, pigeons, and ducks missing all the freshly grown vegetables from the yard. I will relive by following your life. Thank you
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Welcome Marty. I am so glad you are here and happy you are joining us on all of our adventures.
Deletethey look so soft & fuzzy. it made me so sad to learn this about the poor drones. thank you for all of your wonderful information. bees are on my list but i am taking it one thing at a time :)
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