Package Bees and Hot Hive

[drlonzo]

Good evening all.  I thought that i would post a quick question for everyone to think about and see what you all had to say about it.

First:  I know that with packaged bees, the bees you get do not reflect the genetics nor the attitude of the queen you get.

So with that my question:  Suppose you get a package bee box, you get it hived, and from the moment you hive them, you find that the bees are a bit on what we'll say pissy side.  Taking into account that the queen has started laying and the weather is ok.  What other things would tend to make the bees this way.  Working with straight up Italians in 8 frame equipment, given 1:1 syrup from the start, building great comb.  Any thoughts about what's possible cause and how long it will take for the queen's genetics to take over?

[10framer]

is there any kind of flow on yet? 
field bees with nothing to do get nasty sometimes.

[drlonzo]

Flow is still at least a week away, however they are being fed via hive top feeders just as the other nine hives are which have no ill will.  Also started feeding in open today to see if it helps.  They are bringing in pollen from willow and dandelion now though.

[buzzbee]

Any night time visitors checking on the hive? Possums,skunks etc?  Look for scratch marks on the front and bottom board.

[greenbtree]

Don't know exactly, I will say that I have one hive that was really aggressive the first couple of times I did a quick stores check, but now that they are raising brood they have settled down.

JC

[drlonzo]

All the hives are set up on stands that are 18 inches above ground, however did check for nighttime visitors, no scratch marks on any of them.  Went into them today and done a quick check on all the hives.  All are doing well.  Still this particular hive is still a little hot.  Producing comb just fine, and doing well with stores.  They are starting to calm a little i believe now though.  Only stung me once today instead of 5 times.  lol..