Author Topic: My noob question of the week (Read 3218 times)

amymcg · « **on:** June 27, 2005, 06:19:08 pm »

I've noticed that every afternoon there seems to be a handful of drones (5 or 6) that crawl around on the ground outside the hive and appear to be unable to fly. They have wings, but they just crawl around out there.

Is there something I should be looking for on this?

amymcg · « **Reply #1 on:** June 29, 2005, 10:24:00 am »

I'm bumping this up -

Also, looking at these drones, it appears that they have the "k-wing" deformity. LIke I said before it's only a few a day, and my mite drop last week before I removed the bottom board try was about 3 or 4 a day.

I did a search, but can't seem to find the post that tells me when I should start to really get concerned.

Chad S · « **Reply #2 on:** June 29, 2005, 10:38:11 am »

It's been pretty hot, and muggy up our way Amy. Maybe they just need a breath of fresh air.

By the way I wanted to thank you for the link to the Lagrants. Due to a mix up with the U.S mail service I had to take a ride down to pick up a couple of Queens yesterday. They are real nice folks.

Chad

Michael Bush · « **Reply #3 on:** June 29, 2005, 11:19:08 am »

If you really think they are "K" winged, I'd get a new queen (from a different supplier) and put on a grease patty (maybe not in this heat?).

Good stock won't get tracheal mite problems.

amymcg · « **Reply #4 on:** June 29, 2005, 01:54:03 pm »

Michael -

I'm not sure that they are K-Winged, But they dont' appear to be able to fly. I saw one this morning that obviously had a wing deformity. One wing was smaller than the other.

I thought K-wing was from a varroa borne virus not tracheal?

the workers are all fine. I just thought this might be damage from varroa mites. Maybe it's just nothing to be worried about.

Chad - Yes they are really nice people and very helpful. I'm glad you found the link. I know it's a bit of a ride out there, but I've been out there 3 times and every trip has been worth it.

Robo · « **Reply #5 on:** June 29, 2005, 02:14:04 pm »

Quote from: amymcg

I thought K-wing was from a varroa borne virus not tracheal?

Amy,

Your confused with deformed wing virus, which can hit a hive when there is a major varroa infestation. This is when the wings are all shriveled up.

amymcg · « **Reply #6 on:** June 29, 2005, 05:04:06 pm »

AHH okay Robo thanks for clearing that up. They definitely are not shriveled up. I'm not going to worry about this. I'll make up a batch of grease patties anyway and shove one in this weekend