Thanks Jon and Dark Bee.
I've been describing the very first of the brood laid. Certainly I expect some getting into the swing of it for new queens but how long do you reckon it usually takes for a queen to be in 'full lay' and therefore to demonstrate a brood pattern typical of what will continue follow?
There is some pollen in cells within areas of comb cleared for or laid in ... in line with your comment about native bees, Dark Bee. This might account for some of the blanks.
There is some inbreeding here ... the brood patterns usually show more blanks than for beekeepers in the areas where bees can be swapped around more ... ie have Varroa! Am seeking to bring some fresh bees this season but the options are limited. The bees are hybridised and vary from around 45 to 80% Amm.
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