Hi all,
I happened to see in my archive searching of this forum that there are a few individuals out there who seem to have negative feelings toward the quality of B Weaver Bees out of Texas, especially when it comes to their gentleness (of lack thereof). Some went as far as to call them "aggressive," "mean," and even "vicious"! As my experience with these bees have been dramatically different, I thought others might find my review useful and interesting.
The bees arrived at my door step straight from Bee Weavers truck in perfect condition. I installed them that afternoon, and was surprised at how gentle they were. Even though I have never had or hived any bees before, I hived all four without any smoke, veil, suit, gloves, or any protective wear at all! I had a short sleeve hiking shirt on for three hives, and actually got brave enough to hive one without a shirt! And... not a single sting!
I just completed my first hive inspection a couple days ago. They had been in the hive for five days, and I couldn't wait to get in there. Problem was, my smoker and veil still had not arrived. So the decision was made to inspect all four hives the same way I hived them - no smoke, veil, gloves, - and a short sleeve lightweight shirt. Once again, not a single sting.
I really am delighted with the gentleness of these bees. I received an email from a friend recently who said he just hived a couple bees and couldn't even approach the hive without being bombarded with guard bees. I really feel good when I can approach my hives and actually put my eyeball right just a couple inches from the hive entrance with bees coming and going all around my head - gentle as puppies.
By the way, the bees are doing terrifically well. Queen was released, frames are being filled with eggs, pollen, and nectar - after just five days. One of the hives had 80 bees coming and going every minute this morning! All I can say is - I'm pretty happy with B Weaver!
Blessings,
Rob