I have read some positive aspects of the MH in varroa resistance. Can anyone on this forum who has worked with this hybrid back these claims :?:
"I'm not breeding a bee that can resist the mite, it's not that they don't ever get diseases or they don't ever get the mites, they do have these problems but they can defend themselves. And they do this through a behavior where they'll actually detect young bees that are sick or have mites on them and they throw them out of the nest," Spivak said.
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/09/15/beemites/
Hygenic behaviour can be bred for in any bees. It will help prevent all of the brood diseases, as well as help with the mites. I have heard some of the Minnesota Hygenic bees are a bit hot. I have not had them.
Quote from: Michael BushHygenic behaviour will help prevent all of the brood diseases, as well as help with the mites.
Yes, if we speak theoretically. Russian has strong tendency to tear out pupae where have mites. Yes, it helps but not resolve mite control.
I've got'em. I have been advised by many people in my area who have them from the same pollinator that they have not treated for any of the "brood" diseases in years. Mites ares still an issue and they use their hygenic behavior by using mineral oil treatments and sugar shakes and stuff w/ great benefit. As for being "hot" my experience is too limited to compare. I have only been stung about five times this summer w/ two hives and often do minor repairs w/o smoking or equipment w/o any problem. They usualy warn me if they're hot by going staright for face and i just wealk away ten feet no problem.
I too have MN Hygenics from the same source as KONASDAD and Kris^. I have found the bees to show strong hygenic behavior, constantly and consistently ejecting adults and larvae of various stages of development. Compared to some Russian/Carniolan bees and some Italian bee I have, the MN Hygenics are more testy. But compared to some Buckfasts I've worked, they're pretty mild.
I have 2 colonies of Brother Adams' finest, never an issue with aggressiveness. Anyways, thanks for the input. I am looking to try several different races next season and considering 1 package of Minnesotas.
My goal for next year is to get a package each of Russians, MH, and Carnolians and do a comparison on build up, production, and behavior. I realize such a small sampling would not be definitive but will be an indicator. My money resources are limited. Besides I haven't bought packaged bees in over 20 years--time to relive the experience.
Quote from: Brian D. BrayMy goal for next year is to get a package each of Russians, MH, and Carnolians and do a comparison on build up, production, and behavior. .
Here is something longer than bare hands to handle issue.
http://www.mamamoer.nl/ddb/blz/rapportprimoengels2002.pdf .
No need for a package. Just 15 miles south of you a comm beek will sell you one deep w/ telescoping top and bottom w/ bees for $70. They also sell queeens. They become available last week in april or so.
Quote from: KONASDADNo need for a package. Just 15 miles south of you a comm beek will sell you one deep w/ telescoping top and bottom w/ bees for $70. They also sell queeens. They become available last week in april or so.
Bob Harvey of Harvey's Honey , right :?:
yep. Bob Harvey. A few folks have'm on this site and any updtaes would be appreciated for comparative purposes.
I got two of the single-deep hives in the second week of July, and placed a second deep of undrawn frames on each. They've become two very strong hives. I thought I actually might get some surplus from one, and they did start putting honey in a super. However, the late summer/early fall dearth kinda put an end to that plan. As for their temperament, they were really hot when I first placed them at our farm. But after a week, they settled in and seem no hotter than any other hive I have.
-- Kris
A gentleman in MD sold a number of them to people in our area and the consensus after one summer seems to be that they are generally pretty testy. Other traits seem to be favorable so far.