I have heard that honeybees that have survived on their own for several years makes good stock to keep. Is this true? I have a chance to get a hive out of an old house that I think has survived on its own for several years? How can I tell if they have lived there a long time ( the comb I saw looked white is this a recent swarm from some where?) and would they be good stock to keep!
Survivor stock is good to have. I like diversity. I would say hive them and make your own observations. I took a hive out of a two-story and it was huge, but it had new comb near the honey stores. Hard to tell age of a hive, guy told me it had been there at least five years. But he also said it had swarmed several times. Good luck.
David