I don't know what bees to get.

Amanda · February 09, 2008, 12:24:46 AM

Okay, my hives and other equipment just came in, and now I need to get my bees. I know I probably should have ordered them already, but I'm just not sure what to do. I was going to order packages from Rossman Apiaries, but they don't ship till the middle of May. That seems a little late to me. Here in Georgia there are lots of flowers blooming and it's pretty warm before then. I think there are some nucs that I could get locally, but they would be Russian instead of Italian like Rossman's. Do you guys prefer Italian or Russian, and would you recommend packages or nucs? I could get the nucs earlier than the packages, but I'm afraid that I would end up with diseased bees. Also, would it be okay to do one of each? I have two hives. If I did this, one would get started probably a month before the other, and one would be Italian and the other Russian. Would that be a problem? Thanks everyone.

Cass Cohenour · February 09, 2008, 12:33:40 AM

Do you guys prefer Italian or Russian, and would you recommend packages or nucs?

I had some Russians once. They were a little hot so I requeened them. I hear the Russians now are not so bad so I'm thinking of getting a few this year for an outyard.
The nucs will outperform the packages.

>I could get the nucs earlier than the packages, but I'm afraid that I would end up with diseased bees.

You could end up with diseased bees either way. At least with a nuc you can inspect the brood and the queens laying pattern before you buy it.

>Also, would it be okay to do one of each?

It sure would. You'll be able to watch the development of each through the year.

>If I did this, one would get started probably a month before the other, and one would be Italian and the other Russian. Would that be a problem?

Not really. You could have both to work with to see which you prefer.

pdmattox · February 09, 2008, 12:38:59 AM

If I had a choice it would be nucs with italians.

Brian D. Bray · February 09, 2008, 12:43:38 AM

I have both and I like both, I however, do advise staying away from the Minnesota Hygenics for the newbee--they have a tendency to be a bit hot (sting alot). I don't think you can go wrong with Italians, Russians, or Carniolans.

What ever you chose, buy 2, it greatly improves the learning curve by providing comparisons. If you, by chance, feel for the Beginners Beekeeping Kit, put the excluders away until next year at least, you won't need them your 1st year--if ever.

buzzbee · February 09, 2008, 07:01:31 AM

Amanda,Dixie Bee Supply is only a little over an hour away from you.He sells nucs and Packages.

Michael Bush · February 09, 2008, 09:47:50 AM

At this point I'd take what bees I can find. You should have ordered them a month ago...

Ronnie Elliott · February 09, 2008, 12:16:47 PM

:shock: Well I just purchased 5-Minnesota Hygenics nukes to be delievered in late April, I forgot to ask about there temperment. I don't mind getting a few stings, but not lots. In the late July, Aug. & Sept. I like to wear short sleeve shirts, with shorts, and lace up hunting boots. Sounds like I'm going to have to change my ways. I normally just catch swarms, but decided to get a quick boost this year after the hot summer drought of 2006. I have never encountered the Africanized Bees yet, knock on wood.

Alan Forbes · February 09, 2008, 12:25:49 PM

You're much braver than I am. I don't like to get stung, but I'm in my middle age and look forward to getting stung with my new hive for the benefits of arthritis relief.

Michael Bush · February 09, 2008, 05:13:51 PM

The first MN hygienic I had were pretty hot. The next batch I got (from a different source) were quite nice and very prolific.

heaflaw · February 10, 2008, 12:01:58 AM

American Bee Journal and other mags have lots of advertisements for queens and packages that are supposed to be hygenic, or gentle or great honey producers. How do we know if they really are?

Brian D. Bray · February 10, 2008, 01:46:10 AM

Quote from: heaflaw on February 10, 2008, 12:01:58 AM
American Bee Journal and other mags have lots of advertisements for queens and packages that are supposed to be hygenic, or gentle or great honey producers. How do we know if they really are?

Ask those who have gotten bees from those suppliers. Customers are a businesses best or worst advertiser.

Michael Bush · February 10, 2008, 12:07:44 PM

http://www.bushfarms.com/beesnewbees.htm#easythings

The race of bees is the easiest thing to change. You just requeen. Many other decisions are much more difficult to adjust later...