Feed them, if they don't want it they won't take it. Throwing out drones is a sign that times could be hard and they don't have the resources to keep them.
I use snap lock bags on top of the frames to feed. Fill them about 1/3 full and poke a few holes in them. Check back in a few days and see what they have taken.
It takes a lot of energy to produce wax so feeding will help that along, however they won't draw it out unless they need the space.
It took me a good 12 months to get my head around the smoker, the key I found was taking it slowly, don't be in a rush to pack it down with lots of fuel as that can put it out if you don't have a good bed of embers to work with.
I start off with a quarter sheet of news paper, then once that is going sprinkle in fuel a little bit at a time. Wait until it is fully burning to before adding any more. Start off with a little pinch then add a bit more each time. Once you have done that three or 4 times and you have built up a good lot of burning fuel, then fill the smoker with your fuel and pack it down moderately well. Keep long full puffs going with the bellows throughout all of that.
That's what works for me, of course someone will come along soon and tell us how it's really done soon and we'll both learn something :-D
Paul.