I have an opportunity to get some Russians this spring and I would like to know if there are any opinions on whether I should or not. I have never had Russians before and I am wondering what the pros and cons might be. I have some Italians now. Would it be ok to have both species in the same area or should i split them up?
I have tried both. Now they are all just mixed up out there. I don't believe Russians are any more hot tempered as some say. I do remember a whole lot more propolis with them. Glued everything. I kept them together and by now they are a all mutts.
This may help you and this as from a member of the Russian Honeybee Breeders Association, Inc.
http://www.warmcolorsapiary.com/Documents/RussianManagement07.pdf (http://www.warmcolorsapiary.com/Documents/RussianManagement07.pdf)
http://www.warmcolorsapiary.com/Documents/PackageManagement07.pdf (http://www.warmcolorsapiary.com/Documents/PackageManagement07.pdf)
http://www.russianbreeders.org/members.html (http://www.russianbreeders.org/members.html)
BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)
First generation Russians are a little hot. Second generation are mean as hell!! That's been my experience.
They make a lot of honey though! I wouldn't have them again though.
My experience is with one hive and the few splits I made with them. I have since removed those from my program.
Bailey
Found them to be no more aggresive than my italians. They seem to do better in cooler weather, not so good when its hot..