I got 2 "Russian" Hives this spring. As of Dec 17th both here alive. I rate aggression by how the act when you aren't messing with their hive. I can stand by the side of their hive all day and they don't mess with me. I even have used a walk behind mower in front of their hives and not got stung. Now when you bust open their hive you best be wearing your gear and have a smoker. I call that being protective. They are very protective of their hive and that is a good thing, that means they keep pest out of their hive.
Ha Bruce I had Russian It might be because I got my queens from Kelly"s but my Russian did not survive the winters my biggest loss was that year. All my carnies lived and my hole total loss was the Russian stock I liked them they were mean but I liked the q cell in the hive all the time I could take it and use it else where and they would make themselves another one they did not live long enough for me to see about honey production and I did treat for mites I treated every body so at this point I do not have any Russian in my stock I only have carnie mutts and they do great for me Maybe I might try again but I will not buy a hole lot of queens like I did last time that was a great loss that year. Have a good week Bruce looking forward to the next video
Interesting stuff. Everyone just has to try things and determine what works best for them. If you have found something that works for you then I think it is a good idea to stick with it. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Russians might be a bit feisty, but they pale in comparison to Africanized... Just treat your colonies with the respect that they're due. Don't shake them around don't overworked on them. I always wear a veil and my protective gear I and I always have a smoker nearby
Over the past 4yr I Got Russians form certified southern and northern breeders about 100 queens in all I'm not impressed by them at all. The northern ones had 30% dud rate and the southern got hot on year2.
Great video! Definitely learned some new information here!
Thanks my friend.
I love my Russian Hybrid bees. Although I am considering trying Carniolans this year.
This is my first winter I got one colony that’s Russian will see what happens in spring
I got 2 "Russian" Hives this spring. As of Dec 17th both here alive. I rate aggression by how the act when you aren't messing with their hive. I can stand by the side of their hive all day and they don't mess with me. I even have used a walk behind mower in front of their hives and not got stung. Now when you bust open their hive you best be wearing your gear and have a smoker. I call that being protective. They are very protective of their hive and that is a good thing, that means they keep pest out of their hive.
I like this analogy and tend to agree with you.
So far I love my Russians, gettings from Wisconsin 👍
I heard you need 7 brood frames to do pollination??
It’s varies depending on the contract. I think most require an 8 frame average of bees.
What kibd of bees are Russian bees?
Imm in Sweden and here we have Carnica mountainbees, Nordic bees, and some italian bees.
I think they are bees whose genetics originated in Russia/Ukraine area. But not exactly sure of the genetics and how it all works.
Russian bees seem to have smaller brood frames am I wrong?
Yes I think they do more with less. At least that is what Gus described.
I have Russians. And the down side is I always have to wear protective gear. I my try some Carniolans .
Ha Bruce I had Russian It might be because I got my queens from Kelly"s but my Russian did not survive the winters my biggest loss was that year. All my carnies lived and my hole total loss was the Russian stock I liked them they were mean but I liked the q cell in the hive all the time I could take it and use it else where and they would make themselves another one they did not live long enough for me to see about honey production and I did treat for mites I treated every body so at this point I do not have any Russian in my stock I only have carnie mutts and they do great for me Maybe I might try again but I will not buy a hole lot of queens like I did last time that was a great loss that year. Have a good week Bruce looking forward to the next video
Interesting stuff. Everyone just has to try things and determine what works best for them. If you have found something that works for you then I think it is a good idea to stick with it. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Russians might be a bit feisty, but they pale in comparison to Africanized...
Just treat your colonies with the respect that they're due. Don't shake them around don't overworked on them.
I always wear a veil and my protective gear I and I always have a smoker nearby
Yes just have it give the the respect. I like that.
He’s right bout the Russian breed being efficient . My Russians are super hard workers and not really prone to hive Beatles
Good to know.
Over the past 4yr I Got Russians form certified southern and northern breeders about 100 queens in all I'm not impressed by them at all. The northern ones had 30% dud rate and the southern got hot on year2.
Yeah I’m not all that familiar with them but I do think it depends on the line you have and the breeding program they came from.