Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: mat299 on January 12, 2013, 09:37:58 am

Title: Russians or Italians
Post by: mat299 on January 12, 2013, 09:37:58 am

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?

Title: Re: Russians or Italians
Post by: AllenF on January 12, 2013, 09:47:05 am

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. 

Title: Re: Russians or Italians
Post by: Jim134 on January 12, 2013, 10:29:25 am

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 :)

Title: Re: Russians or Italians
Post by: bailey on January 12, 2013, 03:16:29 pm

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

Title: Re: Russians or Italians
Post by: oliver on January 12, 2013, 04:24:16 pm

Found them to be no more aggresive than my italians. They seem to do better in cooler weather, not so good when its hot..