What factor most significantly affects the egg-laying rate of a queen bee?

The age of the queen is a critical factor that significantly affects her egg-laying rate. As a queen bee ages, her reproductive capacity evolves, beginning at a peak and declining over time. A younger queen is typically more vigorous and capable of laying a higher quantity of eggs daily, which is essential for maintaining a strong and healthy colony.

In contrast, an older queen may not produce as many eggs, resulting in slower colony expansion and less effective population maintenance. Thus, the age of the queen directly influences her productivity and the overall vitality of the hive. Factors like temperature of the hive, availability of forage, and size of the colony can also impact hive activity and conditions but are secondary in determining the egg-laying capabilities of the queen herself.